A new predictive approach for the MAC layer misbehavior in IEEE 802.11 networks

Purpose Ad hoc mobile networks are commonplace in every aspect of our everyday life. They become essential in many industries and have uses in logistics, science and the military. However, because they operate mostly in open spaces, they are exposed to a variety of dangers. The purpose of this study is to introduce a novel method for detecting the MAC layer misbehavior. Design/methodology/approach The proposed novel approach is based on exponential smoothing for throughput prediction to address this MAC layer misbehavior. The real and expected throughput are processed using an exponential smoothing algorithm to identify this attack, and if these metrics exhibit a trending pattern, an alarm is then sent. Findings The effect of the IEEE 802.11 MAC layer misbehavior on throughput was examined using the NS-2 network simulator, as well as the approval of our novel strategy. The authors have found that a smoothing factor value that is near to 0 provides a very accurate throughput forecast that takes into consideration the recent history of the updated values of the real value. As for the smoothing factor values that are near to 1, they are used to identify MAC layer misbehavior. Originality/value According to the authors’ modest knowledge, this new scheme has not been proposed in the state of the art for the detection of greedy behavior in mobile ad hoc networks.