Dynamic Function Alternation to Realize Robust Wireless Sensor Network

In this paper, a distributed algorithm to realize a dynamic function alternation is proposed. The algorithm enables sensor nodes to take over the damaged functions of their neighboring sensor nodes automatically in a wireless sensor network. After describing the concept of the function alternation, the algorithm is explained in detail with some evaluation results. Comparing the results obtained using the proposed algorithm with those obtained using non-function alternation methods shows that the proposed algorithm makes the initial functionality of each sensor function sustainable even if some sensor nodes are damaged. A wireless sensor network system dedicated to disaster monitoring is also introduced, as an application of the proposed function alternation algorithm.