Journal of Communications (JCM, ISSN 1796-2021)
Special Issue on Delay Tolerant Networks, Architecture, and Applications

Delay-tolerant networks (DTNs) are designed to address networks that exhibit intermittent connectivity. In
general DTN architecture can be defined by one or more of the following characteristics: (a) sparse connectivity (i.
e., end-to-end route between source and destination may not even exist); (b) long or variable delay; (c)
asymmetric data rate; and (d) high error rate. Such characteristics can be results of various factors, including
sever power fluctuations, wireless range, network partitioning, catastrophic disasters, or malicious attacks.
Consequently, applications of DTNs are highly diverse and can be expanded to a wide variety of areas.
Examples of such areas are interplanetary networks for deep space communications, sensor networks for
ecological monitoring, transient networks to benefit developing communities, ad hoc networks to disseminate
information in tactical or roadway environments, and disaster recovery networks to restore communications
following a natural disaster. Diversity of network environments and inherent uncertainty about network conditions
make design of DTNs highly challenging in terms of architecture, protocol designs, interoperability, security,
management, and stability. We hope this special issue can address some of these issues and further stimulate
activity in the research community.

The goal of this special issue is to bring together the state-of-the-art research contributions that address the
various aspects of delay/disruption tolerant communications, networks, architecture, and applications. Topics of
interest include, but are not limited to:

* Multicasting and broadcasting
* Routing protocols for stochastic and deterministic time evolving networks
* Integration with other systems and networks, such as free-space optical communications systems,
MANET, VANET, C2C, Deep space, Acoustic Underwater, ad hoc, sensor/actuator networks
* Models for rural connectivity and disconnected ad hoc networks
* Multimedia and web searching
* Hybrid DTN
* Security, stability, survivability, and interoperability
* Wireless DTN technologies, including RF, UWB, free-space optical, and acoustic
* Network architecture and design, including link technology and node design
* Applications, testbeds, and implementations
* Management, configuration, QoS, and authentication
* User mobility support, naming, and addressing
* Protocols and overlay architecture
* Delay tolerant networks and energy efficiency
* Economic models and feasibility



SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:

Papers should be submitted as PDF format electronically to joeljr@ieee.org with a Subject of SI/JCM. All
submitted papers will be reviewed by at least three experts following the standard review process of the Journal
of Communications to ensure the high quality of the special issue of the journal.

Further information on Journal of Communications can be found at: http://www.academypublisher.com/jcm/.


IMPORTANT DATES:


Deadline for submissions: May 1, 2009
Notification of acceptance: August 1, 2009
Revised manuscript due: September 30, 2009
Publication: First Quarter, 2010



GUEST EDITORS:

Joel Rodrigues, Instituto de Telecomunicações, University of Beira Interior, Portugal
Email: joeljr@ieee.org

Farid Farahmand, Sonoma State University, USA
Email: farid.farahmand@flash.net

Wai Chen, Telcordia Technologies, USA
Email: wchen@research.telcordia.com