AODV, or Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector, is a routing protocol designed for mobile ad hoc networks. It enables devices to communicate without a fixed infrastructure by establishing routes only when needed. This on-demand approach helps conserve bandwidth and reduces overhead, making it suitable for dynamic environments where nodes frequently move. The protocol works by broadcasting route requests to neighboring nodes, which then reply with route information if they have a valid path. AODV ensures that routes are maintained and updated as nodes move, allowing for efficient data transmission in scenarios like emergency response or military operations.