Data Aggregation and Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks: Optimal and Heuristic Algorithms

A fundamental challenge in the design of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is to maximize their lifetimes especially when they have a limited and non-replenishable energy supply. To extend the network lifetime, power management and energy-efficient communication techniques at all layers become necessary. In this paper, the authors present solutions for the data gathering and routing problem with in-network aggregation in WSNs. Their objective is to maximize the network lifetime by utilizing data aggregation and in-network processing techniques. They particularly focus on the joint problem of optimal data routing with data aggregation en route such that the above mentioned objective is achieved.