What is Opportunistic Networks

Opportunistic networks are one of the emerging evolutions of the network system. In opportunistic networks, nodes are able to communicate with each other even if the route between source to destination does not already exist. Opportunistic networks have to be delay tolerant in nature (i.e., able to tolerate larger delays). Delay tolerant network (DTNs) uses the concept of “store-carry-forward” of data packets. DTNs are able to transfer data or establish communication in remote area or crisis environment where there is no network established. DTNs have many applications like to provide low-cost internet provision in remote areas, in vehicular networks, noise monitoring, extreme terrestrial environments, etc. It is therefore very promising to identify aspects for integration and inculcation of opportunistic network methodologies and technologies into delay tolerant networking. In this chapter, the authors emphasize delay tolerant networks by considering its architectural, routing, congestion, and security issues.