Ad hoc networks are characterized by multihop wireless connectivity,
frequently changing network topology and the need for efficient dynamic routing
protocols plays an important role. We compare the performance of two prominent
on-demand routing protocols for mobile ad hoc networks: Dynamic Source
Routing (DSR), Ad Hoc On-demand distance Vector Routing (AODV). A detailed
simulation model with MAC and physical layer models is used to study the
interlayer interactions and their performance implications. We demonstrate that
even though DSR and AODV share similar on-demand behavior, the differences in
the protocol mechanisms can lead to significant performance differentials. In this
paper we examine two on demand routing protocols AODV and DSR based on
packet delivery ratio, normalized routing load, normalized MAC load, average end
to end delay by varying the number of sources, speed and pause time.