Decentralized Activation in Dense Sensor Networks via Global Games

Decentralized activation in wireless sensor networks is investigated for energy-efficient monitoring using the theory of global games. Given a large number of sensors which can operate in either an energy-efficient "low-resolution" monitoring mode, or a more costly "high-resolution" mode, the problem of computing and executing a strategy for mode selection is formulated as a global game with diverse utilities and noise conditions. Each sensor measures its environmental conditions in noise, and determines whether to enter a "high-resolution" mode based on its expected contribution and energy cost, which relies on Bayesian estimates of others' observations and actions. We formulate Bayes-Nash equilibrium conditions for which a simple threshold strategy is competitively optimal for each sensor, and propose a scheme for decentralized threshold computation. The threshold level and its equilibrium properties depend on the prior probability distribution of e...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2008
• Where: TSP
• Authors: V. Krishnamurthy
• Keywords: Global Game, Mode, Sensor, TSP 2008