Relocation of wireless sensor network nodes using a genetic algorithm

This work involves the development of optimization algorithms that aim in the relocation of wireless sensor network nodes to provide maximum sensing coverage area, and with the constraint of minimizing the energy required for the relocation. Specifically, a sensor relocation method is introduced, based on a multi-objective genetic algorithm. The algorithm objectives are the total travel distance of the sensors from their initial locations to their final locations as well as the coverage area of the sensors. Simulation results clearly show the tradeoff between the travelled distance and coverage area. This algorithm can be used to achieve best coverage, and our results demonstrate that a better coverage always needs a larger travelled distance. Furthermore, redundant sensors decrease the travelled distance. The travelled distance also depends on the initial position of the sensors. The proposed algorithm also works when obstacles appear in the sensing field.