Efficient range-free localization using elliptical distance correction in heterogeneous wireless sensor networks

In this article, a novel range-free localization algorithm is proposed based on the modified expected hop progress for heterogeneous wireless sensor networks where all nodes’ communication ranges are different. First, we construct the new cumulative distribution function expression of expected hop progress to reduce the computational complexity. Then, the elliptical distance correction method is used to improve the accuracy of the estimation distance and simultaneously decrease overhead. Finally, using the modified distance, the coordinate of the unknown node can be obtained by maximum likelihood estimation. Compared with other algorithms for heterogeneous wireless sensor network, the proposed algorithm is superior in the localization accuracy and efficiency when used in random and uniform placement of nodes.