Title: 3D genetic algorithms for underwater sensor networks

Authors: Jianmin Zou; Stephen Gundry; Janusz Kusyk; M. Ümit Uyar; Cem Safak Sahin

Addresses: Department of Electrical Engineering, The City College of New York, The City University of New York, NY, USA ' Department of Electrical Engineering, The City College of New York, The City University of New York, NY, USA ' U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, 600 Dulany St, Alexandria, VA, USA ' Department of Electrical Engineering, The City College of New York, The City University of New York, NY, USA ' BAE Systems - Advanced Information Technologies (AIT), Burlington, MA 01803, USA

Abstract: We introduce a genetic algorithm-based topology control mechanism, named 3D-GA, for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) operating in Underwater Sensor Networks (UWSNs). Using limited information collected from a node's local neighbours, 3D-GA runs autonomously at each AUV and provides guidance for its speed and direction towards a uniform spatial distribution while maintaining network connectivity. Imprecise and limited neighbourhood knowledge could potentially disrupt convergence towards a uniform and stable spatial coverage. We demonstrate that AUVs running our 3D-GA create a highly resilient network that can adapt to changing conditions such as the addition, loss or malfunction of number of AUVs. We also show that the ambiguity in detecting neighbours' exact locations does not prevent 3D-GA from achieving a uniform coverage but requiring AUVs travel longer distances to stabilise. Our simulation software results verify that 3D-GA is an effective tool for providing a robust solution for volumetric spatial control of AUVs in UWSNs.

Keywords: AUV; autonomous underwater vehicles; UWSN; underwater sensor networks; spatial node distribution; genetic algorithms; 3D topology control; artificial intelligence; network resilience; simulation; volumetric spatial control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAHUC.2013.054019

International Journal of Ad Hoc and Ubiquitous Computing, 2013 Vol.13 No.1, pp.10 - 22

Received: 06 Oct 2012
Accepted: 19 Nov 2012

Published online: 15 May 2013 *

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