Gateway optimization in tactical networks

We address the problem of gateway selection in tactical networks, including large multi-tier networks, where only a subset of nodes assume the function of off-field communication due to cost and power availability constraints. For tactical networks with limited power availability such as sensor networks the network lifetime and performance strongly depend on the set of gateway nodes deployed and the load placed on each one of them. In this paper we introduce a gateway selection algorithm that uses a simulated annealing framework to determine the optimal set of gateway nodes. The algorithm models the trade-offs involved in determining the number and location of gateway nodes due to cost, energy consumption, and performance constraints. An appropriate cost function is developed to select an initial candidate list of potential gateway nodes. This cost function is then used within a simulated annealing framework to determine the number and location of the optimal set of gateway nodes. Algorithm performance is demonstrated by simulation results for a number of representative network scenarios.