FLAR: An Adaptive Fuzzy Routing Algorithm for Communications Networks Using Mobile Ants

Swarm intelligence, as demonstrated by natural biological swarm, such as ant colony, has numerous powerful properties desirable in many engineering systems, specially network routing. Efficient routing in communication network is becoming increasingly difficult due to the increasing size, rapidly changing topology, and complexity of communication networks. The complexity involved in the networks may require the consideration of multiple constraints to make the routing decision. In this paper, we propose a novel approach, called FLAR (Fuzzy Logic Ant based Routing) inspired by swarm intelligence and enhanced by fuzzy logic technique as adaptive routing that allows multiple constraints to be considered in a simple and intuitive way. Simulation and comparison of the proposed method with AntNet2.0 and OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) shows better performance and higher fault tolerance in state of link failures.