On network lifetime expectancy with realistic sensing and traffic generation model in wireless sensor networks

Abstract

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs), which are used in a wide variety of mission-critical applications, are comprised of sensor nodes with limited battery power. The feasibility of such applications is highly influenced by the longevity or sustainability of these networks. Improvement of energy efficiency and estimation of network lifetime are important issues in these energy constrained networks. In this paper, we present a probabilistic model for estimating the network lifetime of a sensor network. The traffic generation model is designed for irregular surfaces while combining the Elfes sensing model and event generation model. A discrete radio model is considered in this paper for better energy efficiency. Two different scenarios, such as, single-hop and multi-hop networks are analyzed with the proposed model. The likelihood of achieving the desired network lifetime with the proposed model is examined. Extensive simulations are done taking the topology from real-sensor network testbeds. We also estimate the packet loss rates and the results also confirm the accuracy and energy efficiency of the proposed model.