An Adaptive Topology Management Scheme to Maintain Network Connectivity in Wireless Sensor Networks

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Network Engineering

Background:

• Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are crucial for monitoring inaccessible terrains in applications like environmental and infrastructure monitoring.
• WSNs face significant challenges in connectivity maintenance, topology management, and reliability due to their resource-constrained nature.
• Existing topology management schemes often struggle to maintain network performance in dynamic and failure-prone WSN environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel topology management and connectivity maintenance scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs).
• To enhance network reliability, fault tolerance, and energy efficiency in WSNs deployed in challenging environments.
• To address the limitations of current WSN topology management techniques.

Main Methods:

• Introduction of the Tolerating Fault and Maintaining Network Connectivity using Array Antenna (ToMaCAA) scheme.
• Integration of Phase Array Antenna technology for adaptive node connectivity.
• Utilizing MATLAB for network simulation and performance analysis against benchmark schemes (DPV, ADPV, PINC).

Main Results:

• ToMaCAA demonstrated superior performance in maintaining network connectivity during link failures compared to DPV, ADPV, and PINC.
• The proposed scheme significantly improved network fault tolerance and reliability.
• ToMaCAA achieved better network lifetime and reduced message overheads.

Conclusions:

• ToMaCAA offers a robust solution for topology management and connectivity maintenance in WSNs.
• The scheme effectively conserves network resources and energy, extending network operational lifespan.
• ToMaCAA represents a significant advancement in ensuring reliable WSN operations in critical and inaccessible environments.