Coverage in Wireless Sensor Networks with additional operating time constraints: efficient algorithms

Abstract

Nowadays there is a growing interest in wireless sensor networks, one of the most significant technologies of the 21𝑠��𝑡�� century [12]. A wireless sensor network (WSN) is essentially composed by a large number of electronic devices, defined sensors, whose aim is to detect physical phenomena such as heat, light, humidity, air pollution, pressure, etc. Compared to wired networks, WSNs offer simpler deployment and great flexibility of devices. In the context of the Internet of Things [14][20], WSNs are the enabling technology that allows to collect information about the environment in which people live. The numerous application areas in environmental monitoring,automation, healthcare, oil and gas, transportation, infrastructure, insurance services and smart home, among others, have driven the market of WSNs to a staggering scale. Indeed the WSNs market was valued at USD 46.76 billion in 2019 and it is expected to reach USD 123.93 billion by 2025 [15][21]. In addition to the heterogeneity of the WSN applications, the market growth has been driven by the increasing adoption of wireless technologies and, also, by the reduced cost and the great availability of the sensor nodes. Indeed nowadays we are practically surrounded by sensors, ranging from those aboard a simple smartphone to the most specialized sensors such as those that detect air quality, vehicles position, persons heartbeat. ... [edited by Author]