A Comparative Analysis of Localization Approaches in Wireless Sensor Networks

Authors

Abstract

Determining the localization of nodes in a Wireless Sensor Network is a very important task, which involves collaboration between nodes. Localization is a fundamental service since it is relevant to many applications and to the network main functions. Collaboration is essential to self-localization, so that localization can be accomplished by the nodes themselves, without any human intervention. In this paper, we first analyze the key aspects that have to be considered when designing or choosing a solution for the localization problem. Then, we present the types of current localization algorithms, making a broad comparison among the most relevant algorithms. With this comparative analysis, we aim at identifying a more complete algorithm able to adapt itself to a wide variety of possibilities (number and density of nodes, obstacles and terrain irregularities, network topology, node mobility, etc.).

Keywords

Wireless Sensor Networks, Localization algorithms, Self-localization, Collaboration, Sensor nodes

Subject

Wireless Sensor Networks

Conference

IASK International Conference E-Activity and Leading Technologies 2007 - E-ALT2007, December 2007