# Impact Analysis of Security Attacks on Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs)
## 1 Introduction  
Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) were originally conceptualized by the U.S. DOD in the 1970s with the introduction of the Packet Radio Network [1]. However, technological limitations at the time, such as bulky equipment and power constraints, hindered their practical implementation. Recent advancements in WiFi technology and the proliferation of WiFienabled devices have fueled the resurgence of interest in infrastructure-less networks like MANETs [2]. WiFi has become an essential part of modern life, facilitating a wide range of daily activities. Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), which harness the versatility of WiFi, are particularly effective in scenarios where traditional infrastructure is lacking, power resources are constrained, and rapid communication is critical. These networks are invaluable in disaster recovery efforts and military operations, where they enable real-time coordination. Beyond these high-stakes environments, the flexibility of MANETs has also led to their widespread use in civilian contexts. Examples include Smartphone Ad Hoc Networks (SPANs) for peer-to-peer communication, Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) for intelligent transportation systems, and Flying Ad Hoc Networks (FANETs) for drone-based applications. Additionally, MANETs are increasingly being deployed in smart cities, remote sensing, and outdoor events, showcasing their broad potential in both urban and rural settings [3]. The dynamic and flexible nature of MANETs introduces a larger attack surface compared to traditional WLANs [4]. This vulnerability makes it challenging to prevent attackers from disrupting network operations and maintaining data availability, confidentiality, and integrity [5]. Understanding these attack methods and their impact on MANETs is crucial for developing effective countermeasures. This paper investigates and presents the effects of various attacks on mobile ad hoc networks. To achieve this, the Open Modeling and Network Simulation Tool (OMNeT++) discrete event simulator will be used to create a network simulation [6]. The Network Simulator for Threat Assessment (NETA) framework will be employed to launch attacks and gather data on network performance under different scenarios [7]. Problem StatementWhile the flexibility and infrastructure-less nature of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) offer significant advantages, their dynamic topology and decentralized architecture render them highly susceptible to a variety of security threats, including denial-of-service (DoS), sinkhole, and delay attacks. The consequences of these attacks can be catastrophic, leading to data breaches, financial losses, and even loss of life in critical applications such as disaster recovery, military operations, and intelligent transportation systems. Despite ongoing research efforts, existing security solutions for MANETs often face challenges in terms of overhead, scalability, and resilience against emerging threats. Therefore, developing robust and efficient security mechanisms to safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of MANET communications is imperative. Despite numerous studies addressing security issues in MANETs, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of various attacks, particularly considering the dynamic nature of the network, remains elusive. Existing research often lacks detailed empirical data on how attacker mobility influences critical performance metrics such as the packet delivery ratio and end-to-end delay. This scarcity of knowledge hinders the development of effective, lightweight countermeasures capable of adapting to diverse attack scenarios. The remainder of this paper is organized as follows:  
Section 2 reviews recent research on MANET security. Section 3 covers mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), introducing their key characteristics, functionalities, and applications. It also reviews routing protocols with a focus on AODV and explores security issues and vulnerabilities in MANETs. Section 4 analyzes prevalent MANET attacks such as sinkhole and delay attacks.