A Distributed Energy-Balanced Topology Control Algorithm Based on a Noncooperative Game for Wireless Sensor Networks

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Network Engineering
• Game Theory

Background:

• Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) face challenges with selfish node behavior leading to energy imbalance due to the lack of central control.
• Noncooperative game theory effectively models this selfish behavior in WSNs.
• Existing topology control algorithms struggle to balance energy consumption and network longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address transmission power minimization and energy balance in WSNs.
• To develop a topology control game model that ensures Pareto optimality.
• To propose an algorithm that enhances energy efficiency and network lifetime.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of a topology control game model, proven to be an ordinal potential game with Pareto optimality.
• Proposal of the Energy Balance Topology control Game (EBTG) algorithm.
• Design of an improved optimization-integrated utility function incorporating the Theil index for energy efficiency and balance.

Main Results:

• The EBTG algorithm demonstrates significant improvements in energy balance among nodes.
• Enhanced energy efficiency was observed with the application of the EBTG algorithm.
• Simulation results indicate a prolonged network lifetime compared to other game theory-based topology control algorithms.

Conclusions:

• The EBTG algorithm effectively mitigates selfish behavior in WSNs by optimizing topology control.
• The proposed utility function successfully balances energy efficiency and network-wide energy distribution.
• EBTG offers a promising approach for sustainable and long-lasting wireless sensor network operations.