Ad hoc network is an infrastructure less, self-configuring and dynamic network where the nodes are able to forward the information to other nodes based on connectivity and routing algorithm they follow. Recently, the concept of this ad hoc networking has been introduced among aircrafts for providing in-flight communication and to manage increased flow of data produced by civil aviation. The aircraft communication can be established either by satellites or cellular based systems. Utilizing satellites for the communication is very expensive and prone to high propagation delay. The cellular based systems provide direct link to aircraft with minimum cost and less delay. As the line-of-sight range of cellular systems is limited, the aircraft over the oceanic regions is unable to communicate with ground stations. Aiming at overcoming the demerits associated with aforementioned technologies for aircraft communication, the Aeronautical Ad hoc networks has been developed, which creates a ad hoc network among aircrafts where each aircraft is self-aware nodes and communicates with ground stations and other aircrafts irrespective of their flight region. AANET shares has some similarities with existing wireless ad hoc networks whilst having unique challenges in supporting greater mobility, size of network, node density and bandwidth limitations. Because of this unique challenges, routing in this AANET is a difficult task. In this paper, various routing algorithms for AANET with its merits and demerits has been thoroughly studied. Finally, the unsolved problems and research issues of routing in AANET are identified.
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