Knowledge Sharing to Improve Routing and Future 4G Networks

Current networking trends show a rapid convergence of several nestled networks as GSM/UMTS, WLAN, Bluetooth, wired networks among others. Nonetheless, such a complex environment raises new challenges including information routing, high dynamicity and possible disconnections. For such reasons, nontraditional routing paradigms have been put forward while adopting innovative ideas based on models from areas as diverse as biological, epidemic and social behavior. The reader will learn about new forms of routing being considered for integrating these future networks, based on the use of different metrics, such as shared network knowledge and willingness in taking and forwarding it. In this chapter an overview of traditional routing and the requirements for 4G systems are first made. New directions for routing based on policy and the identification of stimulus to control and improve the message forwarding in addition to their efficiency in the new context of 4G networks are presented.