Optimal Dynamic Activation Policies in Sensor Networks

Abstract

We consider a sensor network where the nodes are capable of energy harvesting, i.e., can use energy from surrounding environment to recharge their battery. We consider the problem of controlling the activity of a sensor node. This problem is cast as controlling the service rate of a station in a closed three-queue system. We obtain the Norton's equivalent of the system and show the structure of the optimal rate control policy for various combinations of rate structures and utility function.