MANET vs VANET vs FANET: Key Differences Explained

This article compares Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs), Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANETs), and Flying Ad hoc Networks (FANETs), outlining the key differences between them.

MANET (Mobile Ad hoc Network)

• A MANET is a wireless ad hoc network where each node is willing to forward data to other nodes.
• Each node functions as both a host and a router. Control and management operations are distributed across the nodes.
• It supports multi-hop routing, allowing nodes to join or leave the network at any time.
• Routing protocols commonly used include:
  • CGSR (Cluster Gateway Switch Routing): A table-driven routing protocol.
  • DSR (Dynamic Source Routing): An on-demand routing protocol.
  • Hybrid routing: Combines proactive and reactive approaches.
  • Backpressure routing.
• GPS is generally used in MANETs to obtain the coordinates of mobile terminals, providing sufficient location information for the nodes.
• When GPS is unavailable (e.g., in dense foliage), beacon nodes or proximity-based techniques are employed.
• Advantages:
  • Operates without any infrastructure.
  • Offers high mobility.
  • Provides access to information and services regardless of geographic location.
  • Inexpensive to set up.
  • The network can be established anywhere, anytime.

VANET (Vehicular Ad hoc Network)

• VANETs utilize moving vehicles as nodes to form a mobile network.
• Each vehicle becomes a wireless router or node, capable of connecting with other vehicles within a range of 300 meters to 1 kilometer.
• The primary components of a VANET are:
  • OBU (On-Board Unit): Installed in vehicles to enable wireless communication.
  • RSU (Road Side Unit): Installed at intersections to provide internet or information access to vehicles within their radio coverage range.
  • TA (Trusted Authority): Manages user authentication by configuring secure parameters in OBU units.
• Based on the infrastructure, VANET communication modes include:
  • V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle)
  • V2I (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure)
  • I2I (Infrastructure-to-Infrastructure)
• VANETs enhance driving experience and transportation safety.
• Navigation-grade GPS receivers with an accuracy of approximately 10-15 meters are used for route guidance. Assisted GPS (AGPS) or Differential GPS (DGPS) methods, utilizing ground-based reference stations, can provide range corrections with an accuracy of about 10 centimeters.
• Advantages:
  • Offers high mobility.
  • Provides more bandwidth (thousands of Kbps).
  • Achieves higher range (up to 600 meters).
  • High reliability.

Image Credit : ResearchGate GmbH

FANET (Flying Ad hoc Network)

• FANET is a sub-class of MANET.
• A FANET can consist of a swarm of small flying vehicles equipped with cameras, sensors, and GPS systems.
• The network is formed using UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), offering long-range, clear Line-of-Sight (LOS) propagation, and environmentally resilient communication.
• In FANETs, UAVs are positioned on the same plane or organized at varying altitudes.
• Each UAV performs self-control when necessary and is aware of nearby flying UAVs to avoid collisions.
• FANETs require highly accurate localization data with small time intervals.
• GPS provides position information at 1-second intervals, which may not be sufficient for some FANET protocols. Therefore, each UAV is equipped with GPS and an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) to provide position data to other UAVs at any time. The IMU can be calibrated by the GPS signal, enabling quicker position updates.

Tabular Difference between MANET, VANET, and FANET

The following table summarizes the key differences between MANET, VANET, and FANET: