Jumping ant routing algorithm for sensor networks

Enterprises that may rely on critical equipments which are constantly moving around, for example, hospitals – need to ensure they can know the current location of vital but mobile assets. Besides, the sensor node on each device should inform us whether those relative equipments are functional or does not work at all in a hazardous environment, so that vital equipments can be maintained or fixed beforehand. A sensor network is a potential solution to this kind of application, because every node can be found through the routing processes. Due to its working environment and the mobility of sensor node, this kind of sensor network is very similar to MANETs (Mobile Ad-hoc Networks). This study proposes a jumping ant routing algorithm (JARA) which combines the advantages of reactive and proactive routing to speed up the route discovery time and reduce the route discovery overhead in sensor network. 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.