A classification and performance comparison of mobility models for ad hoc networks

Abstract

In mobile ad hoc network research, simulation plays an important role in determining the network characteristics and measuring performance. On the other hand, unrealistic simulation conditions may be misleading, instead of being explanatory. For this reason, constructing simulation models closer to the real circumstances is very significant. Movement behavior of mobile entities is one of the most important concepts for the realistic simulation scenarios in mobile ad hoc networks. In this study, we first provide a survey and a new hybrid classification of existing mobility models in the literature. We implemented the random direction and boundless simulation area models on Scalable Wireless Ad Hoc Network Simulator (SWANS) and conducted simulations of Ad Hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) protocol for these as well as the random walk and random waypoint models. Our comparative results for the mobility models are discussed on a variety of simulation settings and parameters.