A Comparison of Wireless Sensor Networks Under Stochastic Deployment Methods to Ideal Network Structures

Author

Andrew J. Grove

Date of Award

3-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

Nicholas T. Boardman, PhD

Abstract

This research addresses the ideal structure of a deployed network of sensors over a geographical area based on metrics such as coverage and connectivity. Using a genetic algorithm, the ideal structure for a range of target network sizes is determined. Then, a series of realistic methods of sensor distribution simulating the scattering of sensors such as a single linear pass, perpendicular passes, and parallel passes are compared to determine the ability of each method to achieve the ideal structure for each target network size. From the results, it is determined that the ideal structure for smaller networks contains a highly centralized structure with sensors deployed in larger numbers around the sink node, while the ideal structure for larger networks is more uniformly spread over the area of interest. Additionally, the method that best achieved the ideal structure over the range of network sizes tested was the perpendicular passes with a sensor scattering strategy that is uniform in nature.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENS-MS-23-M-122

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed.

Approved for public release. Case number on file.

Recommended Citation

Grove, Andrew J., "A Comparison of Wireless Sensor Networks Under Stochastic Deployment Methods to Ideal Network Structures" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 6993.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/6993