Variable power broadcasting based on local information for source-dependent broadcasting protocols

A typical broadcasting protocol for wireless network usually involves fixed transmission power that covers, for example an area within 250 meters (m). However, it is often unnecessary to broadcast using fixed power because a node that needs to be covered may just be 100m away. By reducing the transmission power enough to cover this node, energy expenditure would be reduced, thus, prolonging the lifetime of battery-powered wireless networks such as Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Existing source-dependent broadcasting protocols do not have any mechanisms for adjusting the transmission power of nodes. Therefore, this paper proposes some effective mechanisms based on local neighborhood knowledge, while ensuring the overall network is still covered. Results of extensive simulations confirm the effectiveness of the proposed protocols in reducing energy consumption.