Abstract
Aerial Adhoc Networks are the new class of wireless adhoc networks, where node motion is not restricted in 2D plane as in (VANETs) but rather a 3D plane as these wireless nodes may be mounted on board Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). Current research literature argues that since flights occur at high altitudes, Line of Sight (LoS) propagation models suffice for such wireless transmissions between nodes. However, recently they find their applications at low flying altitudes for surveillance of buildings or field games e.g. soccer. This paper investigates the suitability of MANET routing protocols for Aerial Adhoc Networks under these practical circumstances where Non-Line of Sight (NLoS) communication is possible albeit at low flying speeds. Performance metrics considered are proactive and reactive routing protocol efficiency for transmission of real time traffic at low altitude, low speed Aerial Adhoc Networks with NLOS propagation and comparison is made with high altitude, high speed Aerial Adhoc Networks transmission with LoS propagation in different frequency bands. Simulation carried out in Network Simulator -3 provide insight on routing protocol performance under these scenarios. Finally we also propose an architecture for practical application of MANET routing protocols to these aerial applications.