Abstract
Mobile self-organizing ad hoc networks (MANETs) are seen as
the future in distributed and ad hoc networking. In addition to
the longstanding problems of wireless systems such as overhead
costs, bandwidth scarcity, overloading and link degradation,
MANETs have to grapple with routing protocols, caching
protocols and energy conversion algorithms, along with the
associated trade-offs. Node mobility creates high overheads with
frequent routing protocols rapidly depleting battery energy.
There is a need to develop energy aware and efficient routing
protocols that still respond sensitively to node mobility.
In this paper we float the concept of a virtual multi- hop ad hoc
routing algorithm for MANETs. The concept clearly indicates
a niche area for further research into increasing energy
conservation without sacrificing performance, careful section of
casting methods, and efficient use of bandwidth.