Energy-Efficient Topology Optimization of Wireless Sensor Networks Using a Modified Genetic Algorithm

This paper addresses the challenge of WSN topology optimisation through the development and implementation of a modified genetic algorithm (MGA). Unlike classical approaches, the proposed method is based on the assessment of sensor node distribution density, employing an adaptive penalty system and considering the minimum inter-node distance to determine optimal configurations during the evolutionary selection process. A software module has been developed in Python (version 3.12.1) for the simulation of WSN functionality, accounting for dynamic topology changes and limited network resources. A comparative analysis of the proposed approach’s effectiveness was conducted against greedy, random, and uniform algorithms, varying sensor ranges (20, 30 and 40 m) and minimum inter-node distance constraints. Simulation results for scenarios involving 25 and 100 sensor nodes demonstrate that the proposed MGA consistently outperforms traditional approaches, including uniform (mesh), greedy, and random search algorithms. Unlike these methods, which either result in significant overlap (up to 13.23%) or fail to deploy all nodes, the MGA achieves 100% node placement with near-zero overlap. Furthermore, the proposed method exhibits stable convergence and high reliability, maintaining consistent performance across multiple runs with diverse initial conditions. The proposed Integrated Energy Efficiency Metric (IEEM) establishes a relationship between the spatial distribution of sensor nodes and the overall energy consumption of a WSN. By linking topology formation with energy costs, this metric enables a comprehensive assessment of deployment efficiency. Simulation results across various deployment scenarios demonstrate that the proposed MGA consistently achieves the lowest IEEM values compared to Mesh, Greedy, and Random placement strategies. The observed improvements range from 4.76% to 31.38%, confirming a substantial reduction in total energy losses. The proposed approach is particularly well-suited for dense deployments and resource-constrained environments, where effective coverage and minimal energy consumption are critical.