Distributed Localization Based on Signal Propagation Loss for Underwater Sensor Networks

Localization technology for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs) plays an important role in detection and navigation for underwater vehicles. In this paper, we therefore propose a novel localization scheme for UWSNs based on the propagation loss, named Communication Signal Propagation Loss Localization Scheme (CSPLLS). CSPLLS is a cooperative, passive, asynchronously distributed localization method where the target only uses communication signal’s strength from anchor nodes. The method is appropriate for a long-distance and large-scale positioning in shallow sea. Main innovative point of the research is to locate with a new rang-based method using signal propagation loss. Experiment and simulation results are presented in the paper which confirms that the proposed scheme provides a relatively high precision of as low as 2.2% positioning error with centroid optimization. Major advantages of this method includes: 1) getting rid of clock resources usually used in each node for localization, 2) reducing the total localization time, 3) saving the energy of each node which prolongs the lifetime of networks and 4) realize the design of underwater communication and localization integration.