Hybrid optimization using Ant Colony Optimization and Cuckoo Search in MANET routing

Ad hoc networks are a group of mobile nodes with wireless communication adapters which dynamically forms a temporary network. These networks do not require any existing infrastructure or network support. The lack of a central infrastructure imposes challenges, as services ensured by central infrastructure must be ensured by mobile nodes in the new environment. The network operation is decentralized as the network's organization/message delivery is effected by nodes. A Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) is functional in either a stand-alone manner or connected to large networks. In this work, a hybrid optimization technique using Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and Cuckoo Search (CS) is proposed for the optimization of MANET routing. Ad hoc On-demand Distance Vector Routing (AODV) protocol is enhanced using the proposed optimization algorithm. The proposed hybrid algorithm achieves improved performance in terms of average end-to-end delay.