iMobif: an informed mobility framework for energy optimization in wireless ad hoc networks

Recent research results show that a wireless ad hoc network can exploit controlled node mobility to reduce communication energy consumption. Node movement, however, may consume a certain amount of energy. To achieve overall energy optimization, wireless nodes that adopt a controlled mobility strategy must account for this cost. In this paper we propose iMobif, a flow-based informed mobility framework that collects network information to facilitate decision-making with respect to mobility. We demonstrate how to use iMobif to minimize total communication energy consumption as well as to maximize system lifetime. Simulation results show iMobif is effective in reducing energy consumption relative to that of systems with no mobility or only cost-unaware mobility.