Mobile Ad-Hoc Network/ MANET

Definition

A Mobile Ad-Hoc Network is a peer-to-peer wireless network in which nodes discover one another, negotiate routes, and forward traffic on each other's behalf without dependence on fixed infrastructure. MANETs are the foundational topology for tactical edge networks because they tolerate node loss, mobility, and intermittent connectivity. Modern military MANETs combine layer-2 mesh radios with layer-3 routing protocols such as OLSRv2, OSPF-MDR, or proprietary variants tuned for low-bandwidth, high-loss RF links.

Reference attributes

Layer

L2/L3 wireless mesh

Discovery

Beaconing + neighbor sensing

Tolerates

Node churn, mobility, partition

Common routing

OLSRv2, AODV, OSPF-MDR

Related terms

• Optimized Link State Routing (OLSRv2)
  Proactive link-state routing protocol designed for MANETs.
• Destination-Sequenced Distance-Vector (DSDV)
  Proactive distance-vector protocol with sequence numbers to prevent routing loops.
• Cognitive Radio (CR)
  Radio that senses its RF environment and adapts waveform, frequency, and power autonomously.
• Tactical Scalable Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (TSM)
  Persistent Systems waveform optimized for high-density, mobile mesh at the tactical edge.