**4. Conclusions**

The versatile and dynamic nature of Wireless Multi-Hop Networks requires routing algorithms that are robust, adaptable, and scalable. Ant Algorithms are inspired from the self-organizing foraging behavior of natural ants, which show an incredible ability for robustness, adaptation and scalability despite being based on a set of simple mechanisms. In this chapter, we have first reviewed the seminal ant routing algorithm developed for routing in such networks, *AntHocNet*. In the following, we investigate more specific algorithms: *ARA* is a simple version of an ant colony optimization approach for routing in *MANETs*. *ARAMA* is targeted at *MANETs* and *WSNs* and focuses on fair energy use between the nodes of the network. *EEABR* is another algorithm focusing on energy efficiency, providing a more fine-grained selection of routing mechanisms. *DDCHA* is a data-centric protocol which divides a sensor field into subnets of nodes within communication range. *AMQR* is a routing algorithm for *MANETs* that extends upon *ARA*. A concept for dual-priority traffic, together with a notion of energy and latency constraints, is reported in the *PPRA* algorithm. To match requirements of different traffic types, we have also reviewed approaches using colored pheromones – here the colored pheromones form separate routing layers representing different route properties such as latency, jitter, or bandwidth. Two representatives of this class of algorithms are *MACO* and *SANETs* have been reviewed in this chapter.

Ant-inspired algorithms can be successfully applied for routing in Wireless Multi-Hop Networks, but due to the difficulty of the problem and different requirements priorities among Wireless Multi-Hop Networks, they have not converged into s single solution. Instead, we are facing an increasing number of algorithms and protocols following this idea. A short insight into this is given in the section on other ant-based algorithms for Wireless Multi-Hop Networks. Considering the constant change of sensor network hardware and software together with probably slightly different requirements, we are expecting this trend to continue and foresee new ant routing algorithms in the future.
