Optimal sensor management under energy and reliability constraints

In this work, we address the problem of maximizing the lifetime of an application that requires a minimum level of quality of service from a network of energy-constrained wireless sensors. The problem is formulated as a generalized maximum flow graph problem with additional constraints and an optimal solution is found through linear programming. The result of the optimization is a schedule that determines the mode that all sensors should operate in and allows redundant sensors to turn off and conserve energy whenever possible. We show through simulations of typical sensing applications that by intelligently managing sensors, application lifetime can be extended by up to a factor of 2 in some cases.