Abstract

AntNet is a routing algorithm which takes advantage of the way ants help each other to find food sources faster. Ants’ communication in this respect is indirect by leaving pheromone trails as they move. The richness and thickness of the trail is proportional to the number of ants that have passed. This method of indirect courtesy guidance by affecting the environment is called stigmergy. Many network parameters that affect the performance of AntNet algorithm. However, there is little works on AntNet parameter analysis. In this paper we examine the effect of AntNet parameters on its performance. Simulation is used to estimate performance measures. Results show that changing one specific parameter may not lead to an improvement in performance unless other parameters are also changed, accordingly.

Key words: Routing algorithm, AntNet, AntNet performance parameter, agent.