Towards modeling complex wireless sensor networks using agents and networks: A systematic approach

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) are a fast-emerging area of interest in the domain of large-scale communication networks. However, design of novel WSN applications requires first developing models and performing extensive simulation. Modern large-scale WSNs are expected to be both dynamic as well as random and often spread over a large scale. However, this problem has not previously been addressed in literature. In our previous works, we have demonstrated how Agent-based modeling may be used to effectively model various types of Complex Adaptive Systems such as, but not limited to, Self-organizing Communication infrastructures. In this paper, we present first steps towards providing a comprehensive set of guidelines and tutorial for developing deployment models of WSNs besides modeling routing algorithms using agent-based modeling. Our simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and ease of use coupled with a short learning curve involved in developing agent-based models of complex WSN applications.