Difference Between DSR and AODV

DSR (dynamic source routing) and AODV (ad-hoc on-demand distance vector) are two wireless ad-hoc network routing techniques. DSR is a source routing protocol in which the source node determines the entire route to the destination. AODV is a destination routing protocol in which the route is determined by a series of hops from one node to the next until it reaches the destination.

Read this article to find out more about DSR and AODV and how they are different from each other.

What is DSR?

DSR (Dynamic Source Routing) is a wireless ad-hoc network routing protocol. It is a source routing protocol, which implies that the source node decides and includes the whole route to the destination in the packet header. This method reduces the number of broadcasts required to determine the route, making it more appropriate for small to medium-sized networks with limited mobility.

When a node receives an RREQ message, it first checks to see if it has received the message before by matching the unique identifier to its cache. If the message is fresh, the node saves it in its cache and broadcasts it to its neighbors. If a message is not new, it is discarded by the node. This process is repeated until the RREQ message is delivered to the destination node or a node with a new route to the destination.

When the destination node receives the RREQ message, it sends a Route Reply (RREP) message in response. The RREP message contains the entire path to the source node, and the intermediate nodes along the path update their caches with the new path. When an RREP message arrives, the source node adds the entire route to the packet header. The packet is subsequently sent to the next hop as specified in the packet header.

A Route Error (RERR) message is sent to the source node whenever a node on the established route moves or fails. The address of the unreachable node is contained in the RERR message, and the source node removes the invalid node from the route and broadcasts a new RREQ message to find a new route.

DSR has various benefits, including decreased routing overhead, improved flexibility, and support for alternative routes to the same destination. However, it has several disadvantages, such as a larger packet header size and a greater likelihood of routing loops. Overall, DSR is a good routing protocol for small to medium-sized networks with limited mobility and a focus on routing efficiency.

What is AODV?

AODV (Ad-hoc On-Demand Distance Vector) is a wireless ad-hoc network routing protocol. It is a destination routing protocol, which means that when a node wants to deliver a packet to a destination, the route is constructed on the fly. When the network topology changes frequently, this method reduces routing costs and improves efficiency in larger networks with significant mobility.

When an AODV node needs to transport a packet to a certain destination, it broadcasts a Route Request (RREQ) message to its neighbors. The source node's address, the destination node's address, and a unique identifier are all included in the RREQ message. When a node receives an RREQ message, it first checks to determine if it has received the message before by matching the unique identifier to its cache. If the message is fresh, the node saves it in its cache and broadcasts it to its neighbors.

The RREQ message is sent across the network until it reaches the destination node or a node with a new route to the destination. When the destination node receives the RREQ message, it sends a Route Reply (RREP) message in response. The RREP message contains the entire path to the source node, and the intermediate nodes along the path update their caches with the new path. After receiving the RREP message, the source node begins transmitting packets to the destination node via the established route.

AODV uses a series of hops between nodes to maintain the established route. Each node keeps a routing table that includes the next hop to each destination. When a node moves or fails, the other nodes detect the change via a hello message and update the routing tables accordingly.

The Route Error (RERR) message is also included in AODV to manage routing issues. When a node finds a broken link or node on an established route, it sends an RERR message to its neighbors, signaling that the route is no longer aviable. The other nodes that get the RERR message update their routing tables and, if necessary, launch a fresh route discovery procedure.

AODV has a number of advantages, including lower routing overhead, support for both unicast and multicast traffic, and quick route construction. However, they have significant disadvantages, such as increased control message costs and the risk of routing loops. AODV is a good routing protocol for bigger networks with a lot of mobility, where routing efficiency is critical.

Difference between DSR and AODV

The following table highlights the major differences between DSR and AODV −

Conclusion

In a nutshell, DSR and AODV are two routing protocols utilized in wireless ad- hoc networks that take very different approaches to routing. DSR is a source routing protocol in which the whole path to the destination is decided by the source node, whereas AODV is a destination routing protocol in which the route is determined on-demand by broadcasting control messages.

The decision between DSR and AODV depends on the network's specific requirements, such as size, mobility, and traffic patterns. Before deciding on the best protocol for their application, network designers should carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of each protocol.

Md. Sajid

Updated on: 03-Apr-2023

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