An energy-temperature aware routing protocol in wireless body area network: a fuzzy-based approach

The development of computer technology and wireless communication has introduced the wireless body area network (WBAN) to the world. In WBAN, the patient’s vital signs are monitored by small sensors embedded in the body. Sensor nodes work with a limited energy source, so energy consumption is a major issue in these networks. The increase in temperature caused by data transmissions can cause serious damage to body tissue. This paper proposes an Energy-Temperature Aware Routing (ETAR) protocol to solve this problem. In ETAR, routing is done directly and multi-hop using relay nodes. Multi-hop data forwarding plays a significant role in reducing energy consumption. In the proposed method, relay nodes are selected using a fuzzy inference system. Energy, temperature, and distance parameters are defined as the inputs of the fuzzy system. Therefore, in each round, a node with more remaining energy, lower temperature, and less distance from its neighbors is selected as the relay node. The proposed protocol reduces the adverse effects of temperature on the body by setting temperature limits for sensors. The performance of ETAR was evaluated for homogeneous and heterogeneous networks. In homogenous network, this protocol improves energy consumption by 44% and 55% compared to THE and EEMR. Network lifetime is enhanced by 46% and 55% compared to THE and EEMR. The throughput is improved by 40% compared to THE and 34% compared to EEMR, respectively. In a heterogeneous network, this protocol improves energy consumption by 47% and 52% compared to THE and EEMR. Network lifetime is enhanced by 62% and 65% compared to THE and EEMR, respectively. The throughput is improved by 100% compared to THE and 97% compared to EEMR.