A gradient based routing scheme for street lighting wireless sensor networks

Routing for wireless sensor networks based on gradient is a simple, reliable solution resulting in low information costs for the network package, as well as for the node itself. It is used for convergent traffic, where sensor nodes send messages to the sink node. Due to message transmission failures inherent to wireless sensor networks, researches in this area agree that point-to-point message confirmation in these networks is essential. This work proposes solutions for gradient-based routing using a confirmation mechanism for different neighbors, where four protocol variations are evaluated for sensor networks applications in order to monitor and control electrical variables. Results demonstrate that the protocol based on the longest distance has a satisfactory package delivery rate in severe conditions specified to the application. Furthermore, results show in which situations each routing protocol variation better suits the target application.

► Instable wireless communication nature. ► Appropriated routing protocol for urban networks andconvergent traffic. ► Acknowledgment mechanism based on selecting other neighbors’ nodes. ► Proposed protocol produces tolerated end-to-end delay values for this type of network.