Energy-Efficient Data Gathering Schemes in UAV-Based Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

Wireless sensors networks (WSNs) comprise small sensing and computing units with limited power, and often run in non-replaceable energy sources. A large number of researches have been conducted for energy-efficient data gathering in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-aided WSNs (UWSNs) for prolonging the lifetime of WSNs. UAVs are equipped with rechargeable batteries and can fly greater distances within a shorter period of time. However, the data gathering in UWSNs is still an under-investigated topic and more structured researches are required. To measure the effectiveness of the state-of-the-art models, performance analysis and comparison must be done by varying key parameters. As a new emerging field, there is no proper performance analysis guideline established in this topic yet. This study investigates major researches in this field and elaborately discusses the performance analysis techniques and tools used in the investigated research works. The qualitative comparisons of the performance analysis techniques will be able to provide a proper guideline to future researchers.