On Connectivity of Wireless Sensor Networks with Directional Antennas

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the network connectivity of wireless sensor networks with directional antennas. In particular, we establish a general framework to analyze the network connectivity while considering various antenna models and the channel randomness. Since existing directional antenna models have their pros and cons in the accuracy of reflecting realistic antennas and the computational complexity, we propose a new analytical directional antenna model called the iris model to balance the accuracy against the complexity. We conduct extensive simulations to evaluate the analytical framework. Our results show that our proposed analytical model on the network connectivity is accurate, and our iris antenna model can provide a better approximation to realistic directional antennas than other existing antenna models.

Connectivity of Underlay Cognitive Radio Networks With Directional Antennas

“…We denote the simulation result of the probability of connectivity by p s con in order to differentiate it from the analytical result p con . As shown in [31], [32], p s con is given by p s con = # topologies that an SU pair can connect successfully…”

Beamforming Optimization in Internet of Things Applications Using Robust Swarm Algorithm in Conjunction with Connectable and Collaborative Sensors

“…There are several studies on Ad-hoc/sensor network connectivity [8,13,14], and cognitive radio network [15][16][17] , using omnidirectional and directional antenna models. More specifically, the authors in [18] reveal the importance of selecting the directional antenna model using a simple channel model which is tractable in the performance analysis. The authors in [19] provided statistical analysis of the beamforming characteristics through a node selection algorithm of group of sensors that forms a ring network topology.…”

“…where u(θ, φ) is the radiation intensity in a given direction (θ, φ), and η is the efficiency factor, which is set to be one since each antenna is assumed to be lossless and u κ (o) is the radiation intensity of an isotropic radiator. The isotropic antenna model has been frequently used in WSN to model several IoT applications [18,37,41]. Figure 2 illustrated the deployment of the elements along a line, rectangle (mesh), or random with the corresponding distance between two neighboring connecting elements that achieves both connectivity and full coverage.…”

Spatial networks with wireless applications

“…An alternative approach to smooth gain profiles is to use sectorised models [Dai13] or keyhole models [Li11]. Both models are somewhat oversimplified and may not be able to capture in full for example the nulling capability of realistic antennas or may ignore any side or back lobes [Wan17]. Regardless, it is still possible to study in some depth and to some accuracy various wireless network proper-ties such as their capacity [Yi03], power consumption [Nas02], security [Hu04], and medium access control (MAC) protocol (MAC) design and efficiency [Sin11].…”