Method for selecting a route within a wireless ad-hoc routing protocol using a QoS metric. The method begins by dynamically defining a routing zone that encompasses at least two of the network nodes. A communications link is established between the source node and a destination node. If the destination node is within the routing zone of the source node, the route is determined by a proactive routing protocol. If, however, the destination node is outside the routing zone, the route is determined using a reactive routing protocol. A QoS metric for each route is calculated by combining the individual QoS metrics for each hop within the particular route. Finally, the route with the best QoS metric is selected to use as the communications link between the source node and the destination node.