Link quality aware routing algorithm in mobile wireless sensor networks

Abstract

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is composed of a number of sensor nodes that interact with each other intentionally to gather information from the area of interest. The limited processing capabilities, low memory capacities and low data rate, motivate the current research studies to focus on designing energy efficient mechanisms that can extend the sensor nodes operational duration and relatively prolong the network lifetime while providing reliable data transmission. In view of the fact that the sensor nodes in wireless sensor networks are typically irreplaceable, therefore, the protocols and algorithms developed for sensor networks must incorporate energy consumption as the highest priority optimization goal. An optimal route selection will provide higher throughput and reduction in delay from the end-to-end standpoint. Link quality information can be highly useful in selecting an optimal route. The aim of this study is to develop a routing algorithm based on link quality estimator in mobile wireless sensor networks. This study investigates most of the Link Quality Estimation (LQE) approaches and identifies their strengths and weaknesses. It also investigates and identifies the limitations of some LQE mechanisms utilized in existing routing algorithms. After investigating and analyzing, a suitable LQE approach named triangle metric is found to enhance an existing routing algorithm namely RACE (netwoRk conditions Aware geographiCal forwarding protocol for rEal-time applications in mobile wireless sensor networks) in terms of delivery ratio, loss ratio and energy consumption. The enhancement is implemented in simulation environment by using simulator tool OMNeT++. The results show that RACE can be enhanced and presents better performance in terms of delivery ratio, loss ratio and energy consumption.