Decentralized localization in wireless sensor networks

Localization is an imperative stage in building a routing matrix between nodes in Wireless Sensors Network (WSN). It is essential for exchanging the measured Data in the network and making informed conclusions. This paper reviews the localization techniques for Wireless Sensor Networks Nodes. It presents a mathematical model for finding sensors locations based on Received Signal Strength Indicators (RSSI) and takes care of the measurement noise involved. It also carries out a comparison between centralized and decentralized localization in terms of the average consumed communication power by the network to achieve the localization of the nodes. Different scenarios are simulated by varying the geographical deployment area of the network and the number of nodes used. Evaluation results show that decentralized localization consumes less communication power and is more scalable than the centralized approach.

I. Introduction

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have Emerged as an important research area. This development has been encouraged by the dramatic advances in sensor technology, wireless communications, digital electronics and computer networks, which enable the development of low cost, low power, multifunctional sensor nodes that are small in size and communicate at short distances. This lead into opening the door for a wide spectrum of military and civilian applications such as battlefield surveillance, home automation, smart environment forest fire detection, etc.