Optimization of Distributed and Collaborative Beamforming in Wireless Sensor Networks

Collaborate beamforming in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is a concept of using beamforming technology to establish link in the networks. It can effectively increase the transmission distance and improve the energy efficiency of the networks. Due to random deployment of the sensor nodes in the networks, proper assignment for the sensor nodes in wireless sensor networks is vital to achieve better array pattern synthesis. In this paper, a node selection method based on uniform space linear array synthesis is presented. A virtual line was constructed in the network topology as a reference guide to optimize the selection of nodes to mimic the uniform space linear array. The node selection for collaborate beamforming is further optimized using genetic algorithm. Using the method, simulation results show an improvement of radiation beam pattern.