Multicast time maximization in energy constrained wireless networks

We consider the problem of maximizing the lifetime of a given multicast connection in a wireless network of energyconstrained (e.g. battery-operated) nodes, by choosing ideal transmission power levels for the nodes relaying the connection. We distinguish between two basic operating modes: In a static assignment, the power levels of the nodes are set at the beginning and remain unchanged until the nodes are depleted of energy. In a dynamic assignment, the powers can be adjusted during operation. We show that lifetime-maximizing static power assignments can be found in polynomial time, whereas for dynamic assignments, a quantized-time version of the problem is NP-hard. We then study the approximability of the quantized dynamic case and conclude that no polynomial time approximation scheme (PTAS) exists for the problem unless P = NP. Finally, by considering two approximation heuristics for the dynamic case, we show experimentally that the lifetime of a dynamically maintained multicast co...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2003
• Where: DIALM
• Authors: Patrik Floréen, Petteri Kaski, Jukka Kohonen, Pekka Orponen
• Keywords: DIALM 2003, Dynamic Assignments, Multicast Connection, Static Assignment