Q14Mobile Computing
Question
Discuss the Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) protocol in MANETs.
Answer
DSR is a reactive routing protocol for MANETs where the sender determines the complete sequence of nodes through which to forward the packet.
Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) is a reactive (on-demand) routing protocol designed specifically for use in multi-hop wireless ad hoc networks. In DSR, the source node determines the entire route to the destination before sending a packet. This route is placed in the packet's header (source routing). The protocol consists of two main mechanisms: Route Discovery and Route Maintenance. Route Discovery is initiated only when a route is needed, using Route Request (RREQ) and Route Reply (RREP) packets. Route Maintenance monitors the validity of existing routes and generates Route Error (RERR) packets when a link break is detected.