K. Satheshkumar, S. Ramalingam, A. Suresh Babu, S. Murugesan
ABSTRACT Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are essential components of intelligent transportation systems that facilitate realâtime communication between vehicles (V2V) and between vehicles and infrastructure (V2I). Despite their importance, VANETs face challenges, such as high node mobility, energy limitations, security risks, and everâchanging network topologies. Existing clustering and routing algorithms often struggle to manage the instability caused by mobility, energy disparities, and secure congestionâfree communication simultaneously. To address these challenges, this work introduced an integrated crossâlayer framework featuring three innovative algorithms: mobilityâaware black hole clustering (MâBHC), energyâaware piranha optimization algorithm (EPOA), and crossâlayer multiâattribute blockchain routing with congestion control (CLâMABRC). The MâBHC algorithm enhances the stability of clusters and counters blackâhole attacks by forming clusters dynamically based on realâtime vehicle mobility patterns. EPOA optimizes the selection of cluster heads (CHs) by reducing energy consumption through a bioâinspired resource allocation strategy modeled on piranha predation behavior. CLâMABRC addresses network congestion and security using blockchainâbased verification and crossâlayer routing decisions informed by multiâattribute metrics. Extensive simulations were conducted with a setting of 100 veh/km 2 . The proposed framework showed significant performance improvements over benchmark protocols, such as optimal securityâaware clusterâbased hybrid geographical and opportunistic routing (OSCâGOR), enhanced locationâaided ant colony routing (ELAACR), trustâbased multiâobjective honey badger algorithm (TMOHBA), and robust cryptographic scheme for reliable data communication (RCSRC). It achieved a throughput of 99.89 Kbps, endâtoâend delay of 3.9 ms, collision rate of 21.8%, energy consumption of 41.98%, and jitter of 0.05 ms. Together, the MâBHC, EPOA, and CLâMABRC algorithms create a robust, energyâefficient, and secure communication framework for VANETs, enhancing scalability, reliability, and realâtime performance in transportation systems.