Rastom

Rastom is a theoretical protocol and software framework used to describe a class of distributed, real-time data transmission systems. It is commonly cited in discussions of mesh networks and resilient IoT deployments as an example of how decentralized routing and adaptive bandwidth control can be combined to maintain low latency under variable network conditions.

The name rastom is an acronym often expanded as Real-time Adaptive Streaming and Telemetry Optimization Mechanism, though the term is used informally and may lack a single canonical expansion. In many descriptions, rastom refers to a modular architecture that separates routing, congestion control, and data encoding, allowing components to be swapped as needed.

Key design principles include decentralized operation, opportunistic routing, and end-to-end security. Rastom-inspired systems typically implement local decision-making at nodes, publish-subscribe telemetry for state sharing, and lightweight cryptography for energy-limited devices. They emphasize resilience to intermittent connectivity, jitter reduction, and predictable delivery delays for time-sensitive data.

Applications include emergency communications during natural disasters, sensor networks in harsh environments, and rural or maritime connectivity scenarios where traditional infrastructure is unavailable. While rastom is not standardized, it informs ongoing research into adaptive protocols that balance latency, reliability, and overhead.

Critics note that real-world deployment faces challenges such as protocol interoperability, energy consumption, and the complexity of maintaining consistent state across nodes. Despite these concerns, rastom serves as a useful reference point in debates about real-time data transport in decentralized networks.