This paper presents an approach for tackling multiple metrics and various network parameters simultaneously to investigate the performance of wireless ad-hoc network routing protocols. The study uses Taguchi's loss function to determine the best condition in yielding maximum throughput and minimum packet drop and routing overhead simultaneously for dynamic source routing (DSR) protocol. Studying the parameters one at a time or by trial and error until a first feasible design is found seems to be a common approach to design optimization. In this paper, the impact of ad-hoc network parameters such as terrain, network size, number of sources, packet transmitted rates, node speed and pause time on a multiple signal to noise ratio are investigated simultaneously. We present results based on simulation study according to Taguchi experimental design technique. Optimum levels of ad-hoc network parameters are suggested by using response table and response graph while contribution of significant parameter are estimated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results show that the terrain size, number of sources, transmission packet rates and nodes speed are the significant parameters affecting DSR performance in wireless ad-hoc networks. � 2011 IEEE.

In this study, Taguchi method was used to identify the several factors that may affect the performance of Destination Sequence Distance Vector (DSDV) routing protocol. The performance of DSDV routing protocol in mobile ad hoc networks were greatly influence by factors such as node speed, node pause time and traffic load. Problem statement: By using orthogonal experimental design and analysis techniques, the protocol performance can be analyzed with more objective conclusion through only a small number of simulation experiments. Approach: The performance was measured with respect to packet delivery ratio. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to identify the significant factors affecting the response and the best possible factor level combination was determined through analysis of the signal-to-noise ratio. Results: It was found that the traffic load has a stronger influence on the packet delivery ratio, followed by the pause time. Conclusions/Recommendations: The optimal setting of the best performance is determined. The optimal setting has resulted in increased packet delivered. These findings demonstrate that Taguchi method may be valuable tool for the investigation of main effect or interactions of multiple factors in the performance of mobile ad hoc network routing protocols. � 2008 Science Publications.