Clustering, Routing, Scheduling, and Challenges in Bio-Inspired Parameter Tuning of Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks for Environmental Sustainability

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are wireless networks of automotive nodes. Among the strategies used in VANETs to increase network connectivity are broadcast scheduling, data aggregation, and vehicular node clustering. In the context of extremely high node mobility and ambiguous vehicle distribution (on the road), VANETs degrade in flexibility and quick topology, facing significant issues such as network physical layout construction and unstable connections. These challenges make it difficult for vehicle communication to be robust, reliable, and scalable, especially in urban traffic networks. Numerous research investigations have revealed a nearly optimal solution to various VANET difficulties through the application of techniques derived from nature and evolution. On the other hand, as key productivity sectors continue to demand more energy, sustainable and efficient ways of using non-renewable resources continue to be developed. With the help of information and communication technologies (ICT), parameter tuning approaches can reduce accident rates, improve mobility, and mitigate environmental impacts. In this article, we explore evolutionary algorithms to mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), as well as vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). A discussion of three major categories of optimization is provided throughout the paper. There are several significant research works presented regarding parameter tuning in cluster formation, routing, and scheduling of broadcasts. Toward the end of the review, key challenges in VANET and MANET research are identified.