A Survey of Simulation in Sensor Networks

Sensor networks face many problems that do not arise in other types of networks. Power constraints, limited hardware, decreased reliability, and a typically higher density and number of nodes than found in conventional networks are just a small portion of the problems that have to be considered when developing protocols for use in sensor networks. Simulation is often used to test new protocols that are being developed, as well as to compare old protocols. However, there is always a danger when using simulation in testing: the results are not necessarily going to be accurate or representative. To help overcome this, it is important to possess knowledge of the simulation tools available, along with their associated strengths and weaknesses. The goal of this paper is to aid developers in the selection of an appropriate simulation tool.