Ad hoc networks are mobile wireless networks that allow devices to connect without any centralized administration or fixed infrastructure. Nodes are both hosts and routers, forwarding data for each other. This allows for quick, inexpensive deployment but poses technical challenges including medium access, routing, transport protocols, quality of service, security, energy management, and scalability. While research continues on solutions, ad hoc networks have applications in military operations, disaster relief, and personal area networks. Key challenges that remain include quality of service, security, interoperation with the internet, and energy conservation for devices in the network.