An Energy-Efficient Routing Algorithm Based on Relative Identification and Direction for Wireless Sensor Networks

In studies of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), routing protocols in network layer is an important topic. To date, many routing algorithms of WSNs have been developed such as relative direction-based sensor routing (RDSR). The WSNs in such algorithm are divided into many sectors for routing. RDSR could simply reduce the number of routes as compared to the convention routing algorithm, but it has routing loop problem. In this paper, a less complex, more efficient routing algorithm named as relative identification and direction-based sensor routing (RIDSR) algorithm is proposed. RIDSR makes sensor nodes establish more reliable and energy-efficient routing path for data transmission. This algorithm not only solves the routing loop problem within the RDSR algorithm but also facilitates the direct selection of a shorter distance for routing by the sensor node. Furthermore, it saves energy and extends the lifetime of the sensor nodes. We also propose a new energy-efficient algorithm named as enhanced relative identification and direction-based sensor routing (ERIDSR) algorithm. ERISDR combines triangle routing algorithm with RIDSR. Triangle routing algorithm exploits a simple triangle rule to determine a sensor node that can save more energy while relaying data between the transmitter and the receiver. This algorithm could effectively economize the use of energy in near-sensor nodes to further extend the lifetime of the sensor nodes. Simulation results show that ERIDSR get better performance than RDSR, and RIDSR algorithms. In addition, ERIDSR algorithm could save the total energy in near-sensor nodes more effectively.