Enhancing Connectivity and Minimizing Ber in Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

Power conservation ranks as a paramount concern in the realm of wireless ad hoc and sensor networks, particularly in scenarios where nodes heavily rely on finite battery resources. The act of transmitting signals at excessive power levels invariably leads to unwarranted interference. It is, therefore, incumbent upon network designers to ensure that each node operates at the minimum conceivable power level while upholding network connectivity. This research paper introduces the concept of optimal common transmit power, defined as the lowest transmit power setting required by all nodes to ensure the uninterrupted connectivity of the network. This is especially pertinent in sensor networks characterized by the simplicity of nodes and the inherent difficulty in adjusting transmit power settings post-deployment. The optimal transmit power, which forms the foundation of this study, has been previously established in prior research efforts. It is contingent on the specific routing and medium access control (MAC) protocols under consideration. Nonetheless, the approach presented herein can be readily adapted to accommodate a broader spectrum of routing and MAC protocols. In this study, network connectivity is defined in terms of a quality of service (QoS) constraint, denoted by the maximum tolerable bit error rate (BER), along a multihop route with an average number of hops.