Augmenting Portable Remote Sensing Data Logger with Potential Cluster Head Selection

The aim of this paper is to design and optimize Wireless Remote Sensing Network (WRSN) system for Precision Agriculture (PA). Optimization for PA is necessary to improve production yield. Friss Transmission Equation is modelled and simulated in MATLAB to determine the relationship of Received Signal Strength Index (RSSI) with the range of transmission. Number of sensor node to be deployed over a plantation area is determined in MATLAB so that Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) can achieve optimum transmission coverage. Computational algorithms such as Conventional Point-to-Point Transmission (CPTPT) protocol, Shortest Distance Cluster Head Selection (SDCHS) protocol and Power Considerations Cluster Head Selection (PCCHS) protocol are also developed in MATLAB. Performance metrics used to evaluate these algorithms include the average transmission range and number of available connectivity paths. Results showed that PCCHS is the best among the three algorithms since it has the shortest average transmission range and least route for connectivity. Three sensor nodes (SNs) and a Data Acquisition Tower (DAT) are designed and fabricated to collect the soil and crops variability data in the farms. Each SN and DAT forms a wireless sensor node which is able to process data, has independent power source and various sensing capability as well as wireless communication system. Concurrently, real time data logging architecture is implemented at each SN. Data transmission protocol is also developed to increase the transmission efficiency, where cluster head is selected based on residual power. Clustering routing protocol constructs the formation of Centralized Clustering Network System (CCNS) which prolongs the Network Lifetime (NL) by approximately 25%.