Collaborative Routing Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Network Longevity

This study proposes a new parameter for evaluating longevity of wireless sensor networks after showing that the existing parameters do not properly evaluate the performance of algorithms in increasing longevity. This study also proposes an ant inspired Collaborative Routing Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Network Longevity (CRAWL) that has scalability and adaptability features required in most wireless sensor networks. Using the proposed longevity metrics and implementing the algorithm in simulations, it is shown that CRAWL is much more adaptive to non-uniform distribution of available energy in sensor networks. The performance of CRAWL is compared to that of a non-collaborative algorithm. Both algorithms perform equally well when the available energy distribution is uniform but when the distribution is non-uniform, CRAWL is found to have 20.2% longer network life. CRAWL performance degraded by just 10.1% when the available energy was unevenly distributed in the sensor network proving the algorithms adaptability.