Localization of sensor networks considering energy accuracy tradeoffs

Localization in sensor networks is a prerequisite for associating the sensed phenomenon to a particular location. Various aspects of sensor network localization have recently been studied. However, amongst the vast number of localization schemes proposed, tradeoff between the energy required for localization and resulting accuracy of localization is not addressed. In a highly resource-constrained environment such as a sensor network, it is important to address the above energy accuracy relationship during the localization process. Network lifetime is enhanced by applying energy-aware localization schemes periodically. In this paper, a localization algorithm is presented which transforms the network into a system of springs. Using optimization techniques the stable state of such a system is determined, which yields the locations of the nodes in the network. The energy accuracy tradeoff obtained from the algorithm is studied using MATLAB simulations. Results for a centralized and distributed implementation of the scheme are presented.