Swarm intelligence on MANET routing issues: an empirical study revealing latent research topics

A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is formed by a group of mobile nodes which communicate using wireless links. MANETs are usually deployed in environments where it is difficult to deploy telecommunications, such as in emergency rescue operations. MANET networks are very flexible, as new nodes join and other nodes leave arbitrarily, hence finding an optimal path to route data packets in MANET networks is a challenging domain. This paper presents a review on MANET optimisation routing areas to reveal hidden and less researched areas on swarm-based optimisation routing. The research findings can be used as a reference guide to understand swarm-based optimisation routing techniques in wireless networks. A framework covering various sub-themes on MANET routing optimisation has been developed. Exploration of the generated open research questions can be beneficial in the development of intelligent software critical to optimise mobile network solutions to satisfy network providers and subscribers needs.