Optimizing Clustering through ACO and Secure Waterfall Energy-Efficient Protocol-Enabled Routing in FANETs

Flying Ad-Hoc Networks (FANETs) are an emerging technology that enables communication among multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) without relying on fixed infrastructure, but their high mobility and dynamic aerial environments make efficient routing and reliable communication challenging. This project addresses these challenges by integrating the SWEEPER routing protocol with an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO)-based clustering approach to enhance network stability, scalability, and energy efficiency. The SWEEPER protocol supports dynamic routing decisions, while ACO-based clustering organizes UAV nodes into efficient groups for improved data transmission. This combined method reduces packet loss, minimizes communication delay, and enhances overall network performance. Simulation results show improved packet delivery ratio, reduced latency, and increased network lifetime compared to traditional methods, contributing to the development of reliable and efficient communication strategies for applications such as disaster management, surveillance, environmental monitoring, and military operations.