On demand localization algorithm for wireless sensor networks

Localization is one of the supporting technologies in wireless sensor networks. In this paper, a novel ODL (On Demand Localization) algorithm is formally described, designed, implemented and evaluated. It is put forward so as to the characters that a few new comers or moved nodes, instead of whole network, need to be located or relocated in WSNs. It only computes coordinates of nodes on demand and avoids being concerned with all nodes in networks. In this way, the energy consumption is reduced greatly and localization speed is improved. The performance of ODL algorithm is evaluated in different topology and connectivity. Simulation results show location accuracy of ODL in two methods and required bounds of neighbors for localization. The algorithm is also adaptive to irregular distribution of sensor nodes.