Combining a physical model with a nonlinear fluctuation for signal propagation modeling in WSNs

In this paper, we propose a semiparametric regression model that relates the received signal strength indicators (RSSIs) to the distances separating stationary sensors and moving sensors in a wireless sensor network. This model combines the well-known log-distance theoretical propagation model with a nonlinear fluctuation term, estimated within the framework of kernel-based machines. This leads to a more robust propagation model. A fully comprehensive study of the choices of parameters is provided, and a comparison to state-of-the-art models using real and simulated data is given as well.