Characterizing mobile ad hoc networks -: the maniac challenge experiment

This paper reports data collected during the first Mobile Ad-hoc Network Interoperability And Cooperation (MANIAC) Challenge, a multi-institution competition that allows us to study issues of interoperability and cooperation in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). We characterize network topology and routing. The former includes network connectivity and diameter, node degree distribution, clustering, and frequency of topology changes. The latter includes route length distribution, route asymmetry, frequency of route changes, and packet delivery ratio. Results show a high degree of topology and route changes, even when mobility is low, and a prevalence of asymmetric routes, both of which contradict assumptions commonly made in MANET simulation studies. Our data sets will be made publicly available for use by other researchers.