Detection of dumb nodes in a stationary wireless sensor network

A sensor node is termed as “dumb” [1], if at a certain time instant it can sense its surroundings, but is unable to communicate with any of its neighbors due to the shrinkage in communication range. Such isolation occurs because of the presence of adverse environmental effects. However, the node starts its normal operation with the resumption of favorable environmental conditions. Thus, the detection of dumb nodes is essential in order to re-establish network connectivity. However, the temporal behavior of a dumb node in a network makes the detection of such a node challenging. In the present work, we address a plausible solution to this problem by taking into account the evidences from neighboring nodes.