Ant-based multipath routing for wireless mesh networks

Abstract

Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are envisioned as a flexible alternative for providing Internet access. In this context, one of the key challenges is to improve the capacity. One approach is to spread the load along multiple paths. Results achieved in wired networks using ant-based systems for this purpose make them attractive candidates. However, applying similar techniques directly to WMNs may be counter-productive due to the characteristics of multi-hop wireless communications, in particular interferences. In this paper, a novel hybrid approach, based on recording the Internet gateway used by ants and marking pheromone trails accordingly, is presented. Results are promising and indicate that adaptive and efficient load distribution can be achieved. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.