Architecture, Routing Protocols, and Challenges in Delay Tolerant Networks

Delay tolerant networks (DTNs)—sometimes also known as disruption-tolerant networks due to the nature of their communications—provide efficient communication among mobile nodes where continuous connectivity is not guaranteed. Some of the features of the TCP/IP protocols are not completely applicable to DTNs which make it more challenging. When the mobility pattern of the mobile nodes is unknown or unpredictable, it becomes harder to establish communication. This paper discusses various challenging and pressing issues of DTNs. It provides a typical architecture of DTNs, some of the most commonly used routing algorithms, constraint features of DTNs, and major applications of DTNs. Finally, we provide some future research directions for curious researchers.