# Building Realistic Mobility Models for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
## 7 Conclusions  
This paper has demonstrated two different techniques that have been employed to produce realistic mobility models that can be used in MANETs to evaluate performance of protocols. The first is a battlefield, while the second is a vehicular scenario (i.e., shipping). Note that in [PERSON] (2014) [2], a third scenario of search and rescue (not presented in this paper) in the sea has been discussed. Using these developed models, commonly cited MANET protocols have been compared across a range of realistic applications. A flowchart to show how these approaches are transferrable to other simulations is depicted in Figure 18.  
To reiterate, the use of a cartoon animation via Timemaps, for building a realistic military operation simulation model and such a realistic model could be used for the evaluation and comparison of mobile ad hoc network protocols. The experimental results obtained from the realistic model are significantly better than those obtained when using the random waypoint model for similar world sizes, node counts, and speeds. However, a rigorous inferential statistical analysis (e.g., \(t\)-test) could have been conducted to verify the significant difference between the means of the performance for the random waypoint model and our developed models. Undeniably, the evaluation of MANET routing protocols shows that their performances are dependent on the simulation model used. According to [PERSON] et al. (2016) [197], though simulations are easy, as well as quick to implement and economical, they could not replicate the actual environmental conditions of the system under study. They suggest experimental testbeds with real physical hardware in order to bridge the gap between simulations and actual real deployment. Before the latter becomes a reality, it calls for realistic modelling. Additional realistic modelling techniques could extend the scope of MANET research, and this will be necessary if MANETs are to be implemented in the real world. One possible application may emerge from examining scenarios, such as evacuation plans for aircraft, buildings, or larger geographical areas, which are developed for major emergencies. Another model building approach may involve the use of computer gaming engines to capture movement patterns in virtual worlds. Such simulation models could be developed for the evaluation of MANET protocols, so a potential future work could entail an extensive evaluation of a wider range of protocols. Many new protocols are implemented as ns-2 modules, because ns-2 is the main simulation platform for  
Figure 18: Transferability of animation and trace data models.  
MANET research. With the emergence of ns-3, it will be necessary to convert ns-2-based models to ns-3 formats, which have more relevant features (nS-3, nd, [198]). [PERSON] et al. (2012) [199] have conducted a critical comparative analysis between ns-2 and ns-3. They are as follows: ns-3 is both a simulator and emulator, while ns-2 is merely a simulator, and only ns-3 provides a real-time scheduling facility. Finally, another recommended research direction would be the verification of realistic mobility models using formal models, such as ASMs ([PERSON], nd [34]; [PERSON], 2003, [33]). To reiterate, this research responds to a call for more MANET realistic scenarios ([PERSON], et. al, 2013 [200]). However, [PERSON] et al. (2016) [197] recommend the use of real physical experimental testbeds to replace simulators for the performance evaluation of MANETs.  
This research article is written based on [PERSON] PhD thesis supervised by [PERSON] while [PERSON] is the primary author of this article.  
The authors declare no conflict of interest.