Design of Dynamic Routing Mechanisms in Wireless Local Area Networks Using Cisco Packet Tracer Tool

The study examines the impact of different routing protocols on WLAN performance. This research is motivated by the increasing reliance on WLANs in both personal and professional domains, highlighting the need to optimize data transmission efficiency for various network demands. The study focuses on three well-known routing protocols: Ad-hoc On- Demand Distance Vector (AODV), Dynamic Source Routing (DSR), and Destination-Sequenced Distance-Vector (DSDV). Each protocol was selected for its distinct characteristics in handling network changes, making them relevant for comparison in dynamic WLAN environments. Using Cisco Packet Tracer network simulation software, the study modeled each protocol within a WLAN framework, evaluating key performance metrics such as hop count, throughput, end-to-end delay, network congestion, packet delivery ratio, delay (latency) and packet loss rate. This approach enabled the simulation of real-time data transmission scenarios, providing insights into each protocol’s responsiveness and adaptability. Results indicate that AODV and DSR are well-suited for dynamic high-mobility WLANs, showing strong adaptability and efficient path-finding capabilities under changing conditions. In contrast, DSDV a table-driven protocol, demonstrated stable performance in static environments but showed limitations in adaptability within rapidly changing network conditions. Overall, AODV demonstrated the best balance of stability and adaptability, making it a favorable choice for WLANs that require flexibility. This study contributes valuable insight into protocol selection for WLANs, underscoring the importance of aligning protocol capabilities with specific network demands. Based on these findings, we recommend adopting AODV for WLANs in need of flexibility and adaptability, while DSDV may be more suitable for static, low-mobility environments.