disruption-tolerant network (DTN)

A Disruption-Tolerant Network (DTN) is a network architecture in which temporary interruptions, limitations, and anomalies in the transmission technology have no adverse effect on communications.

The DTN architecture supports fault tolerance techniques, under extreme conditions and with the highest traffic loads. In addition, DTN networks have the property that they have extremely low latency and recover quickly from electrical failures.

DTN networks are designed as fault-tolerant systems with Graceful Degradation that, when a network component fails or when a route becomes unavailable, a backup component or a backup route kicks in without limiting service. Graceful Degradation allows even major network components to fail, and the DTN network continues to function.