Routing algorithm based on swarm intelligence

Swarm intelligence inspired by the social behavior of ants boasts a number of attractive features, including adaptation, robustness, decentralized and self-organizing nature, which are well suited for routing in modern communication networks. This paper describes a new adaptive dynamic routing algorithm for packet-switched communications networks based on simple biological “ants” that explore the network and learn good routes, using a novel variation of reinforcement learning. Simulation results confirm that the algorithm is shown to significantly improve the network´s relaxation and its response to perturbations.