The paper introduces a geographical adaptive fidelity (GAF) algorithm designed to reduce energy consumption in ad hoc wireless networks. GAF identifies and turns off unnecessary nodes while maintaining a constant level of routing fidelity, using application- and system-level information. The algorithm is independent of the underlying ad hoc routing protocol and is evaluated through simulations with AODV and DSR. Results show that GAF can reduce energy consumption by 40% to 60% compared to unmodified ad hoc routing protocols. Additionally, network lifetime increases proportionally to node density, with a four-fold increase in node density leading to a 3 to 6 times increase in network lifetime. GAF is an example of adaptive fidelity, a technique that extends the lifetime of self-configuring systems by exploiting redundancy to conserve energy while maintaining application fidelity. The paper also discusses the impact of node mobility, node density, and radio propagation models on GAF performance.The paper introduces a geographical adaptive fidelity (GAF) algorithm designed to reduce energy consumption in ad hoc wireless networks. GAF identifies and turns off unnecessary nodes while maintaining a constant level of routing fidelity, using application- and system-level information. The algorithm is independent of the underlying ad hoc routing protocol and is evaluated through simulations with AODV and DSR. Results show that GAF can reduce energy consumption by 40% to 60% compared to unmodified ad hoc routing protocols. Additionally, network lifetime increases proportionally to node density, with a four-fold increase in node density leading to a 3 to 6 times increase in network lifetime. GAF is an example of adaptive fidelity, a technique that extends the lifetime of self-configuring systems by exploiting redundancy to conserve energy while maintaining application fidelity. The paper also discusses the impact of node mobility, node density, and radio propagation models on GAF performance.