Sink mobility protocols for data collection in wireless sensor networks

In wireless sensor networks data propagation is usually performed by sensors transmitting data towards a static control center (sink). Inspired by important applications (mostly related to ambient intelligence) and as a first step towards introducing mobility, we propose the idea of having a sink moving in the network area and collecting data from sensors. We propose four characteristic mobility patterns for the sink along with different data collection strategies. Through a detailed simulation study, we evaluate several important performance properties of each protocol. Our findings demonstrate that by taking advantage of the sink’s mobility, we can significantly reduce the energy spent in relaying traffic and thus greatly extend the lifetime of the network. Categories and Subject Descriptors: C.2.1 [Network Architecture and Design]: Wireless Communication General Terms: Algorithms, Design, Performance

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: MOBIWAC
• Authors: Ioannis Chatzigiannakis, Athanasios Kinalis, Sotiris E. Nikoletseas
• Keywords: MOBIWAC 2006, Sensor Networks Data, Sensors Transmitting Data, Sink’s Mobility