A utility-based distributed maximum lifetime routing algorithm for wireless networks

Energy-efficient routing is a critical problem in multihop wireless networks due to the severe power constraint of wireless nodes. Despite its importance and many research efforts toward it, a distributed routing algorithm that maximizes network lifetime is still missing. To address this problem, this paper proposes a novel utility-based nonlinear optimization formulation to the maximum lifetime routing problem. Based on this formulation, a fully distributed localized routing algorithm is further presented, which is proved to converge at the optimal point, where the network lifetime is maximized. Solid theoretical analysis and simulation results are presented to validate the proposed solution.

I. Introduction

MULTIHOP wireless networks can be formed by wireless nodes with no preexisting and fixed infrastructures. In order to provide communication throughout the network, wireless nodes cooperate to handle network functions, such as packet routing. One example of a multihop wireless network is a sensor network, which can be readily deployed in diverse environments, such as health care, military, and disaster detection, to collect and process useful information in an autonomous manner.