Title: Fast routing in wireless sensor networks using directional transmissions

Authors: Antonis Kalis, Tassos Dimitriou

Addresses: Athens Information Technology, Markopoulo Avenue, Athens 19002, Greece. ' Athens Information Technology, Markopoulo Avenue, Athens 19002, Greece

Abstract: In this work, we present a routing algorithm for sensor networks that utilises smart antennas to propagate information about a sensed event towards a receiving centre. The novelty of our approach lies in the fact that our protocol uses only local information and total absence of coordination between sensors. We provide a detailed experimental analysis that demonstrates the feasibility of our approach, the necessity of using smart antennas in sensor networks and the advantages that are presented to communication links due to their use. Our protocol is suited for those cases where unexpected changes to the environment (i.e. a fire, a person entering a restricted area, etc.) must be propagated quickly back to the base station without the use of complicated protocols that may deplete the network from its resources. Our protocol is very easy to implement as nodes do not have to decide whether or not to forward the message; the protocol ensures packet delivery and low energy consumption solely by the use of smart antennas on sensor nodes.

Keywords: wireless sensor networks; fast routing; routing algorithms; multihop networks; directional antennas; smart antennas; wireless networks; mobile networks; packet delivery; low energy consumption; routing protocols; local information; network design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMNDI.2005.007936

International Journal of Mobile Network Design and Innovation, 2005 Vol.1 No.1, pp.63 - 69

Published online: 04 Oct 2005 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article