Reducing energy consumption in human-centric wireless sensor networks

Energy consumption is a main research issue in wireless sensor networks; and particularly in those where nodes collaborate to reach a goal. This article explores the energy consumption in mobile devices participating in a human-based wireless sensor network. Specifically, the paper proposes the use of a message predictor to help detect and reduce the number of unnecessary control packets delivered by the nodes as a way to keep updated the network topology. In order to evaluate this proposal, the Optimized Link State Routing protocol was modified to add a message predictor between the routing and the network layers. Eleven simulations were performed using a particular setting. The preliminary results indicate the use of the message predictor can help reduce considerably the nodes energy consumption without affecting the routing capability of the protocol. Although these results are still preliminary, they are highly encouraging.