A Novel Hybrid VANET Routing Protocol with Dynamic Power Management for Performance Enhancement

Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) face critical challenges regarding intermittent connectivity and latency due to high node mobility, often resulting in a performance trade-off between reactive and proactive routing paradigms. This study aims to resolve these inherent limitations and ensure reliable communication in volatile environments. We propose a novel context-aware framework, the Dynamic Hybrid Routing Protocol (DHRP), which integrates Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) and Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR). Distinguished by a predictive multi-criteria switching logic and a hysteresis-based stability mechanism, the proposed method employs a synergistic cross-layer framework that adapts transmission power and routing strategy in real time. Validated through extensive simulations using NS-3 and SUMO, experimental results demonstrate that the protocol outperforms traditional baselines and contemporary benchmarks across all key metrics. Specifically, the system maintains a Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) exceeding 90%, ensures end-to-end delays remain under the safety-critical 40 ms threshold, and achieves energy savings of up to 60%. In conclusion, DHRP successfully resolves the routing performance dichotomy, providing a scalable, energy-efficient foundation for next-generation Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in which reliable safety messaging is paramount.