Mobile Node Localization Algorithms

In this article, we discuss the Centroid algorithm and its enhanced variants for mobile node localization. Mobile node localization represents a critical challenge, as it is essential in numerous wireless sensor network applications. The Centroid algorithm is a prevalent localization method that calculates node positions by leveraging inter-node distance measurements and nodes' own location data. However, its performance degrades in dense networks due to unaccounted coverage area overlaps between nodes. To address this limitation, researchers have developed improved algorithms including DV-Hop, APIT, and probabilistic sensing algorithms. This article explains the underlying principles of these algorithms and provides comparative analysis of their performance characteristics and application suitability. By studying these algorithms, we gain deeper insights into mobile node localization challenges and can formulate valuable recommendations for future research directions.

Implementation Note: The Centroid algorithm typically computes position coordinates by averaging anchor node positions within communication range, while enhanced algorithms incorporate multi-hop distance calculations (DV-Hop), area-based intersection tests (APIT), or probabilistic models to improve accuracy in dense network deployments.