Universal synchronization algorithm for wireless sensor networks - 'FUSA algorithm'

Abstract

Synchronization, in general, is the process of event coordination so that a system performs in unison. In wireless sensor networks (WSN), the network topology often changes dynamically in time. This brings technical hitches and challenges into time synchronization of the sensor nodes in the WSN. In such networks, data routing scheme is either data fusion, fusion of decisions or hybrid fusion. No matter, what data routing scheme is utilized, the time synchronization among the sensors is highly desirable. This paper presents an advanced synchronization algorithm for WSN. Hierarchical as well as decentralized network topology can be used with this algorithm. The designed algorithm is versatile, scalable and easy for implementation. At first, application area of the proposed synchronization algorithm is described. The detailed explanation of the synchronization algorithm at the node level and the network level is supported by the simulation results along with the implementation remarks.