Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV)

AODV (Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector) is a routing protocol used in wireless networks where devices, like smartphones or sensors, communicate directly without fixed infrastructure. It finds the best path for data only when needed, avoiding the need for pre-established routes. When a device wants to send data, AODV dynamically discovers a route by broadcasting a request, and the network responds with the best path. This approach conserves resources and adapts quickly to changes, making it efficient for mobile, decentralized networks where devices frequently move or turn off.