Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Mobile Ad hoc Networks using Genetic Algorithms

Abstract

Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) are self-configuring, infrastructure-less networks of mobile nodes connected through wireless links. Since MANETs comprise of mobile nodes, the nodes participating in the network usually need to be untethered, and thus powered by batteries, which provide limited energy. Reducing energy consumption during routing is one of the major issues of such mobile environments. This paper presents a new energy-efficient routing approach based on a genetic algorithm. In this approach, the genetic algorithm is applied to find a path with the lowest energy cost to the destination using a new fitness function based on a combination of multiple layer energy metrics, namely: Transmission and Reception power, Node connectivity index, and Remaining energy capacity. The outcome of our approach was compared with other recent studies, preliminary experimental results show the effectiveness of our proposed approach to solve the problem of energy consumption.