Using individualized link power settings for energy optimization in hierarchical wireless sensor networks (WSNs)

Wireless sensors are new revolutionary technology. The sensor devices are typically deployed in large numbers to form a communication network. Due to their severe energy constraints and redundancy in sensed data, hierarchal architectures are usually suggested for these networks. In this work, we propose further energy savings by optimizing the local transmission power between the node and its cluster head. The local node to cluster head transmission power is set to the minimum level that guarantees network connectivity. Often, due to close proximity of the cluster head or superior link connectivity, this local transmission power setting is still too high. We present an algorithm that optimizes the local transmission power while ensuring reliable data delivery. The performance of the protocol is evaluated using simulation. Results show significant energy savings while satisfying reliability constraint.