Latency-Aware Path Planning for Disconnected WSNs With Mobile Sinks

Data collection latency is a critical concern in the realm of wireless sensor network (WSNs) applications, particularly when dealing with multiple disconnected WSNs. In this letter, we introduce an innovative strategy for the placement of relay stations and a patch optimization algorithm, collectively termed as the Efficient Relay Station Selection and Patch Optimization Algorithm (ERSS-POA), designed to address this challenge. Our proposed model commences with the strategic planning of relay station locations, contingent upon the coordinates of the base station and the communication range of the wireless sensors. Subsequently, we establish connections between sensor nodes utilizing a geographic routing protocol. Ultimately, we employ a patch optimization algorithm to chart the most efficient data collection route for the mobile sink. The simulation studies demonstrate that, when juxtaposed with two alternative algorithms, ERSS-POA significantly mitigates data packet loss, enhances system throughput, prolongs the network’s lifetime, and achieves a reduced latency in data collection.