Ping-Pong Free Advanced and Energy Efficient Sensor Relocation for IoT-Sensory Network

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Network Engineering
• Data Science

Background:

• Mobile Internet of Things (IoT) devices are crucial for big data collection but face challenges with sensor placement and energy depletion.
• Random sensor distribution in IoT networks can lead to sensing holes, hindering data collection and requiring sensor relocation.
• Existing sensor relocation methods may cause a 'ping-pong problem,' where sensors are repeatedly moved between adjacent sensing holes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a near-uniform sensor selection and movement scheme for mobile IoT networks.
• To develop a relocation protocol that resolves the ping-pong problem and enhances network lifetime.
• To evaluate the proposed protocol's performance under realistic environmental conditions using a custom simulator.

Main Methods:

• A novel scheme for near-uniform sensor selection and movement was developed.
• A relocation protocol utilizing queues and request scheduling was designed to mitigate the ping-pong problem.
• Performance analysis was conducted using a fully-customized OMNeT++ simulator for realistic network simulations.

Main Results:

• The proposed scheme equalizes sensor energy consumption, extending overall network lifetime.
• The relocation protocol effectively eliminates the ping-pong problem through intelligent request scheduling.
• Simulations demonstrated uniform and energy-efficient sensor movement, confirming the protocol's efficacy.

Conclusions:

• The developed sensor relocation scheme and protocol significantly improve the efficiency and longevity of mobile IoT networks.
• By addressing sensing holes and the ping-pong problem, the solution enhances data collection reliability.
• Realistic simulation results validate the practical applicability and performance benefits of the proposed approach.