In this paper, the problem of Redundant Duplicated RREQ Network-wide Flooding (RDRNF), induced by multiple sensor nodes during route discovery in event-driven wireless sensor networks, is described. In order to reduce the number of signaling messages during the route discovery phase, a novel extension, named the Localized Route Discovery Extension (LRDE), to the on-demand ad hoc routing protocol, is proposed. The LRDE reduces energy consumption during route discovery. The heuristically and temporarily selected Path Set-up Coordinator (PSC) plays the role of a route request broker that alleviates redundant route request flooding. The LRDE also sets a route path be aggregation-compatible. The PSC can effectively perform data aggregation through the routing path constructed by the LRDE. The simulation results reveal that significant energy is conserved by reducing signaling overhead and performing data aggregation when LRDE is applied to on-demand routing protocols.

A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a self-organizing and adaptive wireless network constructed by the dynamic gathering of mobile nodes (MNs). The communication among MNs in MANETs is carried out without base stations or access points and the transmission of data packets is completed through relays among nodes. Due to the mobility of MNs, the topology of a MANET frequently changes and thus results in the disability of on-the-fly data transmission routes. To cope with the intrinsic properties of MANETs, Dynamic Backup Routes Routing Protocol (DBR2P), a distributed backup routes mechanism for quick reconnection during link failures, is proposed in this paper. DBR2P is an on-demand routing protocol which can set up many backup routes to reach a destination node in a given period of time. The information of backup routes can be saved in a specific on-the-route node and enables backup routes to be found immediately in situation regarding disconnection. When a link fails, routes from the source node to the destination node are analyzed to obtain backup routes and to sustain quick reconnection. As a result, DBR2P could more thoroughly improve the quality of routing than previous routing protocols.

Since IEEE 802.11 has many problems such as hidden node, exposed node problem, larger sensing function and BEB (Binary Exponential Back-off), it is not suitable for use in multi-hop wireless ad hoc network. When an on-demand routing protocol is used with 802.11 DCF (Distributed Coordination Function), the route to transmit the packet will be formed by nodes which have less competition (fewer neighbors) than others for the medium access. This effect will make that the routing path will be longer and decrease network performance. Therefore, we propose a new MAC (Medium Access Control) protocol that makes a shorter routing path, enabling better performance in multi-hop wireless ad hoc networks. The protocol modifying IEEE 802.11 DCF gives priority to the node with more neighbors and with less transmission. Through simulations, we have demonstrated that the proposed algorithm improves performance in terms of transmission rate, transmission delay and total consumption energy.