MANET vs VANET: Key Differences Explained

This page compares MANET vs VANET and describes the difference between them.

The term MANET refers to Mobile Ad hoc Network, whereas VANET refers to Vehicular Ad hoc Network. These networks are used for communication:

• Between vehicles
• Between vehicles and road-side infrastructure

MANET is the abbreviation for Mobile AdHoc Network.

In ad-hoc networks, all the nodes are mobile and can be interfaced dynamically in an arbitrary fashion. Wireless transmissions have a limited distance coverage. A wireless node will utilize its neighboring nodes to transmit the packet beyond its distance limitation.

To overcome this limitation, MANET nodes require ad-hoc type routing protocols, of two types: table-driven routing protocols and On-demand routing protocols.

Following are the features of a MANET network:

• Dynamic topologies
• Variable capacity links
• Energy-constrained operation
• Limited physical security

VANET is the abbreviation for Vehicular Adhoc Network.

It is a subgroup of a MANET-type network. The routing protocols of MANET are generally not feasible for use in VANETs. If they are used, they won’t be able to deliver the required throughput because VANETs are fast-changing ad-hoc networks.

In VANET, the communication nodes move on pre-defined roads as finalized initially. The VANET architecture consists of three categories:

• Cellular and WLAN network
• Pure Ad hoc (network between vehicles and fixed gateways)
• Hybrid (combination of both infrastructure and ad-hoc networks), as shown in the figure.

In the first type, fixed gateways and WiMAX/WiFi APs are used at traffic junctions to connect to the internet, obtain traffic information, and use it for routing. The VANET nodes are not subject to storage and power limitations.

Tabular Difference Between MANET and VANET

The following table highlights the differences between MANET and VANET types: