Scattered data selection for dense sensor networks

An evaluation methodology is presented for the performance of reporting node self-selection in wireless sensor networks. Five cost metrics are proposed along with several methods for self-selection that involve little or no collaboration with other nodes. These costs are used to evaluate how efficiently the various algorithms allow for node self-selection as simulated on different field complexities. Analysis of different methods over 100 test fields sampled by 2000 nodes indicates that there is no single method that is superior in all respects. Trade-offs in latency and overall energy consumption are revealed to be highly dependent on the selection method and the field complexity.