VA: Virtual node assisted localization algorithm for underwater acoustic sensor networks

Abstract

Localization has always been an essential application of underwater acoustic sensor networks (UASNs), which plays an important role in routing strategies design, node recycling, and so on. The complex ocean condition, prior infrastructure deployment, and time synchronization among beacons challenge the application of the UASN's localization. To solve these problems, we propose a novel underwater acoustic sensor networks localization algorithm based on the virtual node assistance. The algorithm is classified into two parts based on the current marine environment, including Virtual node Assisted Static (VAS) localization algorithm and Virtual node Assisted Dynamic (VAD) localization algorithm. An auxiliary node, which does not directly participate in the localization, is deployed for virtual node setup, error measurement, and RSSI ranging. The GPS-equipped ship utilizes virtual node and geometry to realize the UASN's localization without complicated deployment procedures and time synchronization. The simulation results show that our proposed algorithm can achieve the properties, including high localization coverage and small localization error as well as low communication overhead in the UASNs.