Adaptive Routing in Disruption Tolerant Networks

Routing in Disruption-Tolerant Networks has been researched for over 15 years. Several proposed algorithms exploit the predictive behavior of mobile devices in order to maximize a desired metric (e.g., delivery probability) and minimize waste of resources. However, even devices that follow a highly predictive mobility model might have its behavior temporarily altered due to external events such as accidents, natural conditions, mechanical failures, etc. Some routing approaches for predictive networks are not able to make use of the available knowledge to support the routing decision. Others are not able to adapt under context change. In this work, we present the initial phase of our research and the necessary steps towards an adaptive DTN protocol for challenging networks that is able to exploit available knowledge and adapt under context changes.