Abstract: Mobile Ad hoc network is a network where nodes communicate with each other without any network structure as well as central administration. They are interconnected through wireless mediums and can utilize multiple hops to alter information with them. Routing protocols are needed for communication and synchronization in Ad hoc networks, where it targets effective as well timely delivery of message. Routing techniques help in path creation for transmission. The existing routing protocols suffer from overhead inflicting energy loss which may be further annoying by link failures. In this paper we provide an overview of a vast range of the existing routing protocols which mainly focus on their basic characteristics and functionality. Also, the comparison is been presented which supports routing methodologies and information which further used to make routing decisions.

Keywords: MANET, Routing protocols, Routing overhead.