Outdoor 2D Localization of Sensor Nodes in Wireless Sensor Networks Using the Lotus Effect Optimization Algorithm

ABSTRACT Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) impart marvelous connectivity as well as data‐gathering facilities. Location detection is a crucial feature of sensor network applications despite being a difficult challenge. When it comes to Internet of Things (IoT) location‐based applications like remote healthcare, where prompt emergency or maintenance services are required, precise localization of sensor nodes is needed. The use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for outdoor large‐scale localizations poses several restrictions because of the high cost of GPS. So in this work, a novel concept of a single static anchor node is utilized for localizing all the movable target nodes. This experimentation has been carried out in real real‐time outdoor environment utilizing LoRa Modules to communicate to the LoRaWAN wireless network. These LoRa modules use received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values, and using it, the distance is assessed between a dedicated anchor node and multiple target nodes. The different dataset values of RSSI are utilized to assess the positions of target nodes in real‐time environment. The results are then optimized using the lotus effect optimization algorithm (LEA) for localizing the sensors with more precision. The simulation results demonstrate that LEA has the lowest localization error of 0.1645 m and strong optimization capability in contrast to the several strategies employed in 2D environments.