Um protocolo de reposição de sensores via robôs em redes de sensores sem fio.

Abstract

Wireless sensor networks are very susceptible to sensor failures that may endanger the net work coverage and conectivity and, thus, its desired operation. Since it may not be feasible to physically fix the sensors, a mechanism of sensors replacement, called redeployment, is required to recover the network coverage, increasing its life-time. This work proposes a rede ployment protocol that uses robots equipped with communication and mobility mechanisms to reset sensors in the network according to demand. Some network sensors are responsible for detecting faults in a given area and request a robot to restore nodes, so that, the problem at the point of failure can be remedied. Also, the protocol uses a strategy, called controlled broadcast, based on the quorum concept, which reduces the message traffic on the network, an important factor in helping nodes saving energy. Simulations were the instrument used to analyze the protocol’s performance. The results of these simulations show that the protocol is efficient, managing to fix a problem of coverage and/or connectivity in a few minutes, and even keeping the network quality of service required level for most of the time of the simulations.