Appropriate routing in data transfer is a challenging problem that can lead to improved performance of networks in terms of lower delay in delivery of packets and higher throughput. Considering the highly distributed nature of networks, several multi-agent based algorithms, and in particular ant colony based algorithms, have been suggested in recent years. However, considering the need for quick optimization and adaptation to network changes, improving the relative slow convergence of these algorithms remains an elusive challenge. Our goal here is to reduce the time needed for convergence and to accelerate the routing algorithm’s response to network failures and/or changes by imitating pheromone propagation in natural ant colonies. More specifically, information exchange among neighboring nodes is facilitated by proposing a new type of ant (helping ants) to the AntNet algorithm. The resulting algorithm, the ‘‘modified AntNet,’’ is then simulated via NS2 on NSF network topology. The network performance is evaluated under various node-failure and node- added conditions. Statistical analysis of results confirms that the new method can significantly reduce the average packet delivery time and rate of convergence to the optimal route when compared with standard AntNet. r 2006 The Franklin Institute. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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