Bio-Inspired Routing In Ad Hoc Networks

Ad hoc wireless multi-hop networks (AHWMNs) are communication networks that consist of wireless nodes, placed together in an ad hoc manner, i.e. with minimal prior planning. All nodes in the network have routing capabilities and forward data packets for other nodes in multi-hop fashion. AHWMNs pose substantially different challenges to routing protocols than more traditional wired networks. AHWMN routing protocols are classified as topology-based, position-based and bio-inspired routing protocols. Topology-based routing protocols use the information about the links that exist in the network to perform packet forwarding. Position-based routing algorithms require information about the physical position of the participating node. Bio-inspired networks are one engineering field which has many parallels with biology and hence the solutions of biology can be used to solve the problems of computer networks. Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) is a metaheuristic inspired by the shortest path searching behaviour of various ant species. Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) routing algorithm is one of the adaptive and efficient routing algorithms for AHWMNs. In ACO routing algorithms, ant-like agents traverse the network to search a path from source to destination, and lay down pheromone on the path. A data packet is transferred along a path selected with probability based on the amount of pheromone. AntHocNet is based on Ant Colony Optimization technique. It is a hybrid algorithm that combines a reactive route setup process with a proactive route maintenance process. The reactive route setup is carried out at the start of a communication session or whenever the source of a current session has no more routing information available for the destination. The proactive route maintenance is run for the entire duration of the session. Its aim is to keep information about existing routes up to date and explore new routes. In this paper performance of AntHocNet with the Ad hoc On demand distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol and Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) protocol is compared.