Self-powered wireless sensor network with energy conscious opportunistic routing

Abstract

With energy being the most valuable resource in self-powered Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), the ability to monitor individual node power levels and route accordingly becomes crucial to ensure longevity of a network's lifetime. In this paper, an Energy Conscious Opportunistic Routing Protocol (ECORP) is demonstrated, which allows energy conservation measures to be implemented without hindering the latency of important packets. In the experimental testbed, all relay nodes harvest energy via solar panels, with a shared relay node forcing inconsistently dispersed network traffic. By implementing ECORP, gross network power reserves are minimized upon network failure, extending the network's lifetime.