Sensor Network Optimization Using a Genetic Algorithm

In this paper, we propose an efficient method based on genetic algorithms (GAs) to solve a sensor network optimization problem. Long communication distances between sensors and a sink (or destination) in a sensor network can greatly drain the energy of sensors and reduce the lifetime of a network. By clustering a sensor network into a number of independent clusters using a GA, we can greatly minimize the total communication distance, thus prolonging the network lifetime. Simulation results show that our algorithm can quickly find a good solution. This approach is also applicable to multiple network topologies (uniform or non-uniform) or shortest distance optimization problems . Keyword: Genetic algorithm, clustering, network optimization, shortest distance.