This document discusses mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) and wireless sensor networks (WSNs). It defines a MANET as a network formed spontaneously by wireless mobile nodes without any preexisting infrastructure. Key characteristics of MANETs include dynamic topologies, energy-constrained operation, limited bandwidth, and security threats. Applications include collaborative work, crisis management, and personal area networks. The document also describes different routing protocols for MANETs including table-driven, source-initiated, and hybrid protocols. It then discusses challenges in WSNs such as ad-hoc deployment, limited resources, scalability, and fault tolerance and how these influence routing protocol design.