Sanjeev Sharma , R.C. Jain , Sarita Bhadauria , Ramesh Cherukuru , Comparative Study of MAC Protocols for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, International Journal of Soft Computing, Volume 1,Issue 3, 2006, Pages 225-231, ISSN 1816-9503, ijscomp.2006.225.231, (https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=ijscomp.2006.225.231) Abstract: Studies of ad hoc wireless networks are a relatively new field gaining more popularity for various new applications. In these networks, the Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols are responsible for coordinating the access from active nodes. These protocols are of significant importance since the wireless communication channel is inherently prone to errors and unique problems such as the hidden-terminal problem, the exposed-terminal problem, and signal fading effects. Although a lot of research has been conducted on MAC protocols, the various issues involved have mostly been presented in isolation of each other. We therefore make an attempt to present a comparative study of major schemes, integrating various related issues and challenges. We present a classification of MAC protocols and their brief description based on their operating principles and underlying features. Keywords: Ad hoc networks;wireless networks;MAC;medium access control MANET