Energy-efficient Next Hop Selection for Topology Creation in Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

Topology creation in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has been one of the main criteria for a better routing experience. Recently, many fields have adopted WSNs for better ease of data collection and monitoring applications. However, most of these applications oblige the long-term deployment of the network and less frequency of sensor maintenance. Hence, it is necessary for the WSN to be sustainable in order for a longer lifetime and failure immunity. One of the main contributors in these goals is topology formation. Faster and efficient topology formation in WSNs allows for faster and reliable packet delivery, as well as reduced energy consumption and faster network deployment. However, as WSN applications have become more diverse, WSNs require efficient and faster topology creation methods. Thus, in this paper, we present the design of a novel method for next hop selection in WSNs for optimal topology creation. The approach aims to improve energy consumption, increase network lifetime, and improve packet delivery ratio. The method offers three modes for hop selection based on distance, energy, and a balanced mode that takes into consideration both of these measures. The main point of this approach is limiting the number of next hop candidates for each node by focusing on neighbors that are in the direction to the Base Station (BS). This is done by narrowing the angle at which the node is allowed to choose its next hop. The algorithm was tested and was able to extend network lifetime as well as increase the number of packets delivered to the BS.