An analysis on the topological formation of wireless sensor networks
Boon Sain Yeo, Siok Kheng Tan, Kevin Wong, Yu Ge, Qian YAO, Q.H. Yin · 2006
Although the consideration of energy efficient communications is of paramount importance in 'smart-dust' sensor networks, of which are generally assumed to be deployed through random dispersion, most works reported have assumed an ideal deployment, i.e. all sensors are 'hand-laid' so that every sensor within communication range is able to communicate with one another. This generally does not happen in practice given geographical constraints and the fact that random dispersion of sensors does not guarantee that the omni-directional antenna of a sensor is able to communicate with one another, after its landing. It is, however, surprising that little, or almost no, attention has been given to the consideration of such important factors. The objective of this paper is to provide a simple analysis on the topological formation of wireless sensor networks, taking into considerations of the geographical and environment factors, sensors orientation and the modes of deployment. Through a simple analysis, it can be shown that practical factors, such as, terrain and modes of deployment, do indeed play a critical role in ensuring that the number of deployed sensors are capable of forming an effective collaborative network in performing the assigned task.