A Fuzzy Approach in Single Relay Selection for Cooperative Communication Based on Signal Strength and Residual Energy

Cooperative communication is a vital area of research in wireless sensor networks due to its advantages for spatial diversity. Specifically, selective single relay cooperative communication is an area of vast research interest due to its simplicity and practicality. In this paper, we propose a selective single relay cooperative communication scheme for wireless sensor networks which adapts power control and considers residual energy when electing potential relay nodes. Based on the received signal strength of the RTS/CTS messages, potential relay nodes compute the required transmission energy needed for data transmission from the source to itself and from itself to the destination. The required transmission energy from source to destination is also obtained through the MAC layer signaling. Node with the minimum transmission energy and highest residual energy is then elected as a relay for cooperative communication based on a fuzzy inference system. Our simulation results confirm that our scheme achieves significant energy savings in data transmission and enhances network lifetime. Keywords— selective single relay routing, maximizing network lifetime, minimum transmission energy, received signal strength, residual energy, cooperative communication