Wireless Sensor Networks — Routing Protocols

Abstract

One of the most important issues in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is the design of optimized routing protocols that cannot only route the packets in an efficient way and with minimum overheads but also consider severe power restriction of those networks. Correct design of routing protocols can prolong the lifetime of these networks and therefore much research has been carried out to develop new and customized routing protocols for the WSNs. In this chapter, we will first look at different topologies of the WSNs, say flat and hierarchical networks and compare the two topologies from the routing efficiency point of view. We will then review the most important routing protocols designed for the WSNs for flat and hierarchical topologies. We will further look at some other routing protocols in those networks that aim at providing quality of service in sensor networks and can possibly control the power consumption and therefore the lifetime of the networks. Finally we will review data-centric and geographic routing approaches to complete our survey on routing protocols in WSNs.