Location Optimization Using Wireless Sensor Network with Blockchain: A Trust-Aware, Multi-Objective Framework

The performance of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), including its coverage area, operational lifetime, and ability to be trusted, depends upon the physical location of the nodes and the accuracy of their reported positions.While previous research has focused on using swarm intelligence and hybrid meta-heuristic algorithms to optimize node placement, and separately has explored securing localization and trust with blockchain, the two lines of work have rarely been brought together.In particular, placement optimization algorithms typically assume that nodes have known, reliable positions, while blockchain-based localization schemes typically assume that the network is already deployed.This study proposes a trust-aware, multi-objective framework that connects the two.A swarm-based optimizer determines where to place nodes based on objectives such as coverage, connectivity, energy consumption, and localization error.Additionally, a permissioned blockchain, which is operated by edge gateways, maintains a tamper-proof record of trust scores for each node, position claims made by nodes, and deployment decisions.Localization utilizes trustweighted contributions from anchor nodes to determine the location of other nodes.In doing so, anchor nodes that are deemed untrustworthy are given less weight in contributing to position estimates.The authors formally define the problem, develop a placement algorithm and smart-contract logic, analyze the complexity and security of the system, and establish a reproducible evaluation protocol that includes baselines drawn from 2025-2026 literature.Figures from prior studies are used only as background information; no new experimental results are presented.