An efficient localization scheme with ring overlapping by utilizing mobile anchors in wireless sensor networks

In this study, we propose an efficient localization scheme in wireless sensor networks. The proposed scheme utilizes mobile anchors and is based on ring overlapping. In a wireless sensor network, there are some nodes knowing their locations, which are called the reference nodes, and the other nodes without the knowledge of their locations are called the blind nodes. Based on the relative RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) values, we utilize mobile beacons to find out the rings that are centered with a certain reference node and contain the blind node. These rings are called B-Rings. Since the mobile anchor and the reference node know their own locations, the B-rings can be precisely derived. By utilizing the mobile beacons, the widths of the B-Rings can be further minimized; and then by overlapping them, the location of the blind nodes can be efficiently estimated. Besides, most existing location schemes that utilize mobile anchors let the mobile anchor move randomly. In contrast, we propose a regular and simple movement scheme for the mobile anchor. Thus, the mobile anchor consumes less energy than other schemes in which the mobile anchor move randomly. Simulations of the proposed scheme show that the proposed localization mechanism has better accuracy than other existing related approaches.