Algorithmics of Sensor Networks
Project Members
Funding
Research Training Group 1194: Self-Organizing Sensor-Actuator Networks
Summary
Wireless sensor networks consist of a large number of tiny nodes that collectively solve a task. These tasks can include surveillance of buildings, environment control, analysis of hostile territory, but also monitoring of body functions in medical care. The big challenge in each of these areas is to make small devices work together in a self-organized manner.
At the ITI, we work on the adaption of classical algorithms and techniques to the special challenges of sensor networks. We especially focus on the influence of different models to the quality of our solutions. For example, we try to refine well-known models (such as the unit disk graph modle for wireless connectivity or simple interference models) and to adapt them to practically relevant scenarios.
Currently, our research focuses on localization problems in sensor networks and efficient scheduling of wireless transmissions. Some examples are the detection of network holes based solely on connectivity information, the reconstruction of node positions using signal strength measurements, automatic localization of moving people and objects with the help of sensor nodes, and the computation of energy-efficient communication schedules. In our research, we closely work together with the other institutes that are involved in the Research Training Group 1194 (Self-Organizing Sensor-Actuator Networks).