An SDN-Based Routing Algor ithm for Stable Communication in FANETs

Flying Ad-hoc Networks (FANETs) present unique challenges in maintaining reliable communication due to high mobility, frequent link disruptions, and limited energy resources. This paper proposes a lightweight Software-Defined Networking (SDN)-based routing algorithm that integrates real-time link quality metrics and predictive link lifetime estimation to enhance routing stability and efficiency. Implemented within the NS-3 simulation framework using an internal SDN controller, the algorithm eliminates external dependencies and enables centralized path selection based on a modified Dijkstra algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method consistently outperforms conventional AODV and RSSI-based SDN routing schemes across key performance metrics, including packet delivery ratio, end-to-end delay, route change frequency, control overhead, and energy consumption. These findings highlight the algorithm’s suitability for real-time surveillance, reconnaissance, and disaster response applications in dynamic FANET environments.