A Realistic Hybrid Mobility Model for Search-and-Rescue Teams in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) play a vital role in emergency communication, particularly when conventional infrastructure is damaged or inaccessible during large-scale disasters. Their capacity to self-organise and operate without fixed support makes them indispensable in Search-and-Rescue (SAR) operations, where rapid coordination and reliable information exchange can determine survival outcomes. The effectiveness of any MANET deployment, however, depends heavily on the accuracy of the mobility model used to simulate node movement. Existing approaches, including entity-based and group-based models, have provided valuable insights into network behaviour but remain limited in their ability to capture the complex, coordinated, and constantly evolving movement patterns that characterise SAR environments. This conceptual paper develops a theoretical foundation for a hybrid mobility model that integrates essential features from both paradigms. Drawing on established MANET literature and lessons from real disaster scenarios, the paper argues that SAR mobility reflects both individual autonomy and collective coordination, making a composite model necessary. The proposed framework embeds role differentiation, dynamic switching between entity and group behaviours, scenario-driven spatial constraints, and flexible cohesion thresholds. Together, these features offer a more holistic representation of SAR mobility and provide a realistic basis for evaluating MANET performance under disaster conditions. The discussion highlights key gaps in existing models, conceptualises the structural features of a hybrid approach, and outlines its potential contributions to simulation realism, routing protocol evaluation, and emergency communication planning. The paper concludes by identifying methodological considerations and future research opportunities for refining hybrid mobility modelling within disaster-response wireless networks.