Multi-chain oriented logical topology for wireless sensor networks

Intrinsic restrictions of sensor nodes and unreliable nature of wireless communication direct the designers to develop power efficient and resource utilizing protocols for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Different types of energy-efficient protocols have been proposed based on different topologies. In this paper we address the issue of logical topology of WSNs in conserving energy and efficient utilization of constraint resources. We discuss how topology may play vital role in conserving energy, establishing reliable communication as well as decreasing the response time and propose a multi-chain oriented logical topology for wireless sensor networks. Moreover, we develop two different protocols, one for data collection from the target are and another for data dissemination among the sensor nodes, to run on the top of the proposed topology. Analytical and simulation results show that the proposed topology facilitates both protocols to save noticeable amount of energy, reduce latency and also uses minimum resources.