S-XTC: A Signal-Strength Based Topology Control Algorithm for Sensor Networks

We present S-XTC, a topology control algorithm that uses the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the radio on wireless sensor nodes. The algorithm is based on XTC, a practical topology control algorithm that constructs a relative neighborhood graph. In contrast to the pure XTC our extensions add to the robustness and resilience against fluctuation in the RSSI values. While guaranteeing connectivity and a bounded node degree, network topologies are able to adapt to gradual changes in the network and it´s environment. In this paper, we discuss the shortcomings of the previous algorithm and evaluate S-XTC by analytical proofs and simulation results. Furthermore, we have successfully implemented and tested S-XTC on the BTnode platform of which we discuss a case study and performance evaluation