Three-dimensional deployment optimization of sensor network based on an improved Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm

Compared with the traditional two-dimensional (2D) deployment form, three-dimensional (3D) deployment of sensor network has greater research significance and practical potential to satisfy the detecting needs of targets with complex properties. In this paper, a method for 3D deployment optimization of sensor network based on an improved Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed. Many factors such as coverage scale, detection probability and resource utilization are synthetically considered to optimize the sensor network´s overall detection performance. To evaluate the network´s performance, four indexes are presented and the 3D deployment space is divided into different height levels. Accordingly, the mathematical model is formulated by weighting the performance indexes and height levels due to their importance degrees. In order to solve the optimization problem, an algorithm called WCPSO is carried out, which has a dynamic inertia weight and adaptable acceleration constants. Verified by the simulation results, the presented 3D deployment optimization method effectively improves the sensor network´s detection performance. The method in this paper can provide guidance and technical reference in future application of relevant research.