Study of lifetime extension in wireless sensor networks through congestion control algorithms

Energy constraints are undoubtedly a major concern in the creation of algorithms for WSNs. In this paper we examine the issue of extending a wireless sensor network´s lifetime, not with the aim of providing a new algorithm, or comparing existing energy-reduction related methods, but with the aim of understanding if this problem can be inherently addressed by other types of algorithms such as those designed for congestion control and avoidance. We claim and prove that Congestion Control Algorithms can also assist in the uniform energy utilization of a Wireless Sensor Network to some extent. A number of WSN congestion control algorithms base their operation on the creation of alternative paths from the source to sink, using the plethora of the network´s unused nodes. The creation of alternative paths employs several nodes which are not in the initial shortest path(s) from the source to sink and assist in safely transmitting the observed data. The use of these nodes leads to a balanced energy consumption, avoiding the creation of “holes” in the network.