Multi-Agent Modeling and Jamming-Aware Routing Protocols for Movable-Jammer-Affected WSNs

Sensors (Basel). 2023 Apr 9;23(8):3846. doi: 10.3390/s23083846.

Abstract

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are widely used in various fields, and the reliability and performance of WSNs are critical for their applications. However, WSNs are vulnerable to jamming attacks, and the impact of movable jammers on WSNs' reliability and performance remains largely unexplored. This study aims to investigate the impact of movable jammers on WSNs and propose a comprehensive approach for modeling jammer-affected WSNs, comprising four parts. Firstly, agent-based modeling of sensor nodes, base stations, and jammers has been proposed. Secondly, a jamming-aware routing protocol (JRP) has been proposed to enable sensor nodes to weigh depth and jamming values when selecting relay nodes, thereby bypassing areas affected by jamming. The third and fourth parts involve simulation processes and parameter design for simulations. The simulation results show that the mobility of the jammer significantly affects WSNs' reliability and performance, and JRP effectively bypasses jammed areas and maintains network connectivity. Furthermore, the number and deployment location of jammers has a significant impact on WSNs' reliability and performance. These findings provide insights into the design of reliable and efficient WSNs under jamming attacks.

Keywords: jamming-aware; movable jammer; routing protocol; wireless sensor networks.

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.