Distributed multi-hop routing algorithm for wireless sensor networks

Abstract

In a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), routing is the process of finding a cost effective route in terms of power consumption. As an evaluation criterion for the WSN performance, network lifetime is directly affected by the routing method. In a wide variety of WSNs, different techniques are used as routing methods, such as shortest distance path. In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm, optimizing power consumption in WSN nodes, based on the shortest path algorithm. In this approach, the energy level of nodes and their geographical distance from each other contribute to the weight of the connecting path. The proposed algorithm is used as a data dissemination method in WSNs with randomly scattered nodes. We also apply Dijkstra?s shortest path algorithm to the same networks. The results showed that the proposed algorithm increases the network lifetime up to 30 % by preventing nodes with low charge levels from early disconnection.