On the effect of localization errors on geographic routing in sensor networks

Recently, network localization systems that are based on inter-node ranges have received significant attention. Geographic routing has been considered an application which can utilize the location information from these localization systems. In this paper, we firstly recognize that sensor network localization algorithms generate positioning data with different error patterns compared to those networks where node positions are determined directly from GNSS measurements. Secondly, by simulating practical sensor network scenarios using data from our localization algorithm, we observe that existing geographic routing algorithms in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) adopt very simplistic methods in the treatment of position error, without due consideration of error distribution. Additionally, an insight is given into localization algorithms for WSNs with inhomogeneous error environments. Our observations represent an initial step toward a detailed understanding and design of efficient geographic routing algorithms in location aware WSNs.