Ant-Based Topology Convergence Algorithms for Resource Management in VANETs

Abstract

Frequent changes caused by IP-connectivity and user-oriented services in Inter-Vehicular Communication Networks (VCNs) set great challenges to construct reliable, secure and fast converged topology formed by trusted mobile nodes and links. In this paper, based on a new metric for network performance called topology convergence and a new Object-Oriented Management Information Base - active MIB (O:MIB), we propose an ant-based topology convergence algorithm that applies the swarm intelligence metaphor to find the near-optimal converged topology in VCNs which maximizes system performance and guarantee a further sustainable and maintainable system topology to achieve Quality of Service (QoS) and system throughput. This algorithm is essentially a distributed approach in that each node collects information from local neighbor nodes by invoking the methods from each localized O:MIB, through the sending and receiving of ant packets from each active node, to find the appropriate nodes to construct a routing path. Simulation results show this approach can lead to a fast converged topology with regards to multiple optimization objectives, as well as scale to network sizes and service demands.