Optimization of the "Coarse Grained Localization" Algorithm for Low Power in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper, we describe the optimization of techniques to determine the position of nodes in a wireless sensor network based on the "Coarse Grained Localization" algorithm. The algorithm features very low complexity at sufficient precision thus matching the low resources found in wireless sensor networks. All nodes in a sensor network calculate their positions by center determination of received position information of few base stations with known positions. The main focus of our analysis is the determination of an optimal transmission range of all base stations for position determination prior installation of nodes. At an optimal transmission range, the highest precision is achieved whereas nodes require lowest energy. We present analytic methods for adjusting the transmission range and configuring all parameters optimally. Thereby, we achieve a position determination with lowest communication and calculation effort given an allowed positioning error.