WSN localization techniques

Wireless sensor network localization techniques

Guoqiang Mao

a,b,*

,Barıs ßFidan

b,c

,Brian D.O.Anderson

b,c

a

School of Electrical and Information Engineering,The University of Sydney,Australia b

National ICT Australia Ltd.,Australia 1

c

Research School of Information Sciences and Engineering,The Australian National University,Australia

Received 27June 2006;received in revised form 6October 2006;accepted 15November 2006

Available online 3January 2007

Responsible Editor:E.Ekici

Abstract

Wireless sensor network localization is an important area that attracted significant research interest.This interest is expected to grow further with the proliferation of wireless sensor network applications.This paper provides an overview of the measurement techniques in sensor network localization and the one-hop localization algorithms based on these measurements.A detailed investigation on multi-hop connectivity-based and distance-based localization algorithms are presented.A list of open research problems in the area of distance-based sensor network localization is provided with discussion on possible approaches to them.Ó2006Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.

Keywords:Wireless sensor networks;Localization;AOA;RSS;TDOA

1.Introduction

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs)are a signifi-cant technology attracting considerable research interest.Recent advances in wireless communica-

tions and electronics have enabled the development of low-cost,low-power and multi-functional sensors that are small in size and communicate in short dis-tances.Cheap,smart sensors,networked through wireless links and deployed in large numbers,pro-vide unprecedented opportunities for monitoring and controlling homes,cities,and the environment.In addition,networked sensors have a broad spec-trum of applications in the defence area,generating new capabilities for reconnaissance and surveillance as well as other tactical applications [1].

Self-localization capability is a highly desirable characteristic of wireless sensor networks.In envi-ronmental monitoring applications such as bush fire surveillance,water quality monitoring and precision agriculture,the measurement data are meaningless

1389-1286/$-see front matter Ó2006Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.doi:10.1016/net.2006.11.018

*

Corresponding author.Address:School of Electrical and Information Engineering,The University of Sydney,Australia.Tel.:+61293512962;fax:+61293513847.E-mail address:g.mao@ (G.Mao).1

National ICT Australia is funded by the Australian Govern-ment’s Department of Communications,Information Technol-ogy and the Arts and the Australian Research Council through the Backing Australia’s Ability initiative and the ICT Centre of Excellence

Program.

Computer Networks 51(2007)

2529–2553