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Localization algorithms of Wireless Sensor Networks: a survey

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Abstract

In Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), localization is one of the most important technologies since it plays a critical role in many applications, e.g., target tracking. If the users cannot obtain the accurate location information, the related applications cannot be accomplished. The main idea in most localization methods is that some deployed nodes (landmarks) with known coordinates (e.g., GPS-equipped nodes) transmit beacons with their coordinates in order to help other nodes localize themselves. In general, the main localization algorithms are classified into two categories: range-based and range-free. In this paper, we reclassify the localization algorithms with a new perspective based on the mobility state of landmarks and unknown nodes, and present a detailed analysis of the representative localization algorithms. Moreover, we compare the existing localization algorithms and analyze the future research directions for the localization algorithms in WSNs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Information & Communication Systems, Hohai University, Changzhou, China

    Guangjie Han, Huihui Xu & Jinfang Jiang

  2. Blekinge Institute of Technology, Karlskrona, Sweden

    Trung Q. Duong

  3. Department of Multimedia Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan

    Takahiro Hara

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  1. Guangjie Han
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  2. Huihui Xu
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Correspondence to Guangjie Han.

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Han, G., Xu, H., Duong, T.Q. et al. Localization algorithms of Wireless Sensor Networks: a survey. Telecommun Syst 52, 2419–2436 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11235-011-9564-7

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