A sorted RSSI quantization based algorithm for sensor network localization

Range estimation is essential in many sensor network localization algorithms. Although wireless sensor systems usually have available received signal strength indication (RSSI) readings, this information has not been effectively used in the existing localization algorithms. In this paper, we present a sensor network localization algorithm based on a sorted RSSI quantization scheme that can improve the range estimation accuracy when distance information is not available. The range level used in the quantization process can be decided by each node using an adaptive quantization scheme. The new algorithm can be implemented in a distributed way and has significant improvement over existing range-free algorithms. The performance advantage for various sensor networks is shown with experimental results from our extensive simulation with a more realistic radio model.