Research Article | Open Access | Download PDF
Volume 74 | Issue 8 | Year 2026 | Article Id. IJETT-V74I8P119 | DOI : https://doi.org/10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V74I8P119Intelligent Cluster Head Selection and Aquila Optimizer Based Multi-Objective Routing (AOMOR) Protocol with Digital Twin Simulation for VANET
K. Gomathy, C. Nagarani, K. Gomathy
| Received | Revised | Accepted | Published |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03 Mar 2026 | 11 Jul 2026 | 22 Jul 2026 | 29 Aug 2026 |
Citation :
K. Gomathy, C. Nagarani, K. Gomathy, "Intelligent Cluster Head Selection and Aquila Optimizer Based Multi-Objective Routing (AOMOR) Protocol with Digital Twin Simulation for VANET," International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT), vol. 74, no. 8, pp. 278-293, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V74I8P119
Abstract
The next-generation Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) use Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks. This facilitates real-time vehicle-roadside infrastructure communication. However, maintaining stable cluster topologies and guaranteeing consistent Quality of Service is problematic because of VANETs intrinsic high mobility and adaptable topology. In this paper, proposed a Self-Adaptive Marine Predators Algorithm (SAMPA) with an Aquila Optimizer-based Multi-Objective Routing (AOMOR) strategy for Cluster Head Selection (CHS). Instead of demanding all nodes to maintaining links over the entire network, the local interactions among clusters facilitates in lowering the routing complexity. SAMPA, a nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithm, models the foraging strategies of marine predators in their search for prey. It is employed here to select the most suitable CHs by solving a Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) problem that balances key metrics, including Node Density (ND), Residual Energy (RE), mobility, Link Quality (LQ), and Connectivity Degree (CD). For the routing process, AOMOR employs the hunting strategies of Aquila (eagle) species, which ivolnve searching, swooping, and attacking behaviors, to determine the optimal communication path. Mean Routing Load (MRL), Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), throughput, End-to-End (E2E) delay, and Control Packet Overhead (CPO) represent several of the objectives, are taken into account by QoS-aware routing. To further enhance adaptability, the Digital Twin technology is integrated in the suggested method, which facilitates real-time analysis of network activities, traffic prediction, and informed decision-making for routing strategies. Proposed structure in improving the efficiency of CHS and improving QoS provisioning in VANETs are demonstrated by evaluating its performance using important metrics such as PDR, Packet Loss Ratio (PLR), E2E delay, throughput, and Average Residual Energy (ARE).
Keywords
VANET, Self-Adaptive Marine Predators Algorithm (SAMPA), Aquila Optimizer (AO), Optimal CH selection, Routing, Clustering, Digital twin, and Optimized framework.
References
[1] Muath Obaidat et al., Security and Privacy
Challenges in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks, Connected Vehicles in the Internet
of Things, Springer, pp. 223-251, 2020.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[2] Fayaz Hassan et al., “Achieving Model
Explainability for Intrusion Detection in VANETS with LIME,” PeerJ Computer Science, vol. 9, pp.1-18, 2023.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[3] Rezoan Ahmed Nazib, and Sangman Moh, “Routing
Protocols for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Aided Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks: A
Survey,” IEEE Access, vol. 8, pp. 77535-77560, 2020.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[4] S. Ansari et al., “MHAV: Multitier
Heterogeneous Adaptive Vehicular Network with LTE and DSRC,” ICT
Express, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 199-203, 2017.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[5] Yu-Yen Chen, and Pi-Chung Wang, “Efficient
Clustering of Visible Light Communications in VANET,” Inventions, vol.
8, no. 4, pp. 1-17, 2023.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[6] B. Suganthi, and P. Ramamoorthy, “An Advanced
Fitness-based Routing Protocol for Improving QoS in VANET,” Wireless
Personal Communications, vol. 114, no.
1, pp. 241-263, 2020.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[7] Mengying Ren et al., “A Review of Clustering
Algorithms in VANETs,” Annals of
Telecommunications, vol. 76,
no. 9, pp. 581-603, 2021.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[8] Mays Kareem Jabbar, and Hafedh Trabelsi
“Clustering Review in Vehicular Ad hoc Networks: Algorithms, Comparisons,
Challenges and Solutions,” International
Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, vol. 16, no. 10, pp. 25-48, 2022.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[9] Abhay Katiyar, Dinesh Singh, and Rama Shankar
Yadav, “State-of-the-Art Approach to Clustering Protocols in VANET: A
Survey,” Wireless Networks, vol.
26, no. 7, pp. 5307-5336, 2020.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[10] Mohammed Saad Talib et al., “A Center-based
Stable Evolving Clustering Algorithm with Grid Partitioning and Extended
Mobility Features for VANETs,” IEEE
Access, vol. 8, pp.
169908-169921, 2020.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[11] Radhakrishna Karne, and T.K. Sreeja,
“Clustering Algorithms and Comparisons in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks,” Mesopotamian
Journal of Computer Science, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 115-123, 2023.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[12] Forough Goudarzi, and Hamid Asgari,
“Non-Cooperative Beacon Rate and Awareness Control for Vanets,” IEEE Access,
vol. 5, pp. 16858-16870, 2017.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[13] Tarik El Ouahmani, Abdellah Chehri, and Nadir
Hakem, “Bio-Inspired Routing Protocol in VANET Networks-A Case Study,” Procedia
Computer Science, vol. 159, pp. 2384-2393, 2019.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[14] Vinita Jindal, and Punam Bedi, “An Improved
Hybrid Ant Particle Optimization (IHAPO) Algorithm for Reducing Travel Time in
VANETs,” Applied Soft Computing, vol. 64, pp. 526-535, 2018.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[15] Yasir Ali Shah et al., “CAMONET: Moth-Flame
Optimization (MFO) based Clustering Algorithm for VANETs,” IEEE Access, vol. 6, pp. 48611-48624, 2018.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[16] Christy Jackson Joshua, Rekha Duraisamy, and
Vijayakumar Varadarajan, “A Reputation based Weighted Clustering Protocol in
VANET: A Multi-Objective Firefly Approach,” Mobile Networks and Applications,
vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 1199-1209, 2019.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[17] Tony Santhosh Gnanasekar, and Dhandapani
Samiappan, “Impact of Hybridized Rider Optimization with Cuckoo Search
Algorithm on Optimal VANET Routing,” International Journal of
Communication Systems, vol. 34, no. 16, pp. 1-21, 2021.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[18] Sami Abduljabbar Rashid et al.,
“Reliability-Aware Multi-Objective Optimization-based Routing Protocol for
VANETs using Enhanced Gaussian Mutation Harmony Searching,” IEEE Access,
vol. 10, pp. 26613-26627, 2022.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[19] Ghassan Husnain et al., “A Bio-Inspired
Cluster Optimization Schema for Efficient Routing in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
(VANETs),” Energies, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 1-20, 2023.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[20] Madhuri Husan Badole, and Anuradha D.
Thakare, “An Optimized Framework for VANET Routing: A Multi-Objective Hybrid
Model for Data Synchronization with Digital Twin,” International
Journal of Intelligent Networks, vol. 4, pp. 272-282, 2023.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[21] A. Maria Christina Blessy, and S. Brindha,
“Maximizing VANET Performance in Cluster Head Selection using Intelligent Fuzzy
Bald Eagle Optimization,” Vehicular
Communications, vol. 45,
2024.
CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[22] Jianhang Liu et al., “A Self-Healing Routing
Strategy based on Ant Colony Optimization for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks,” IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol.
9, no. 22, pp. 22695-22708,
2022.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[23] V. Krishna Meera, C. Balasubramanian, and R.
Praveen, “Hybrid Hippopotamus Optimization Algorithm-based Energy‐Efficient
Stable Cluster Construction Protocol for Data Routing in VANETs,” International Journal of Communication
Systems, vol. 38, no. 13,
pp. 1-22, 2025.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[24] Xiang Ji et al., “Efficient and Reliable
Cluster‐based Data Transmission for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks,” Mobile
Information Systems, vol. 2018, no. 1, pp. 1-15, 2018.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[25] Ye Chun et al., “Improved
Marine Predators’ Algorithm for Engineering Design Optimization Problems,” Scientific
Reports, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 1-23, 2024.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[26] Buddhadev Sasmal et al., “A Comprehensive
Survey on Aquila Optimizer,” Archives of Computational Methods in
Engineering, vol. 30, no. 7, pp. 4449-4476, 2023.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[27] Laith Abualigah et al., “Aquila Optimizer:
Review, Results and Applications,” Metaheuristic Optimization
Algorithms, pp. 89-103, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[28] Sylia Mekhmoukh Taleb et al., A Comprehensive
Survey of Aquila Optimizer: Theory, Variants, Hybridization, and
Applications,” Archives of Computational Methods in Engineering,
vol. 32, no. 8, pp. 4643-4689, 2025.
[CrossRef]
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]