Body Node Coordinator Placement Algorithm for WBAN Using Multi-Objective Swarm Optimization

A Body Node Coordinator (BNC) is responsible for coordinating and receiving the data transmissions of bio-sensor nodes within a wireless body area network (WBAN). Hence, it is necessary to place BNC at an optimal location in WBAN to minimize network energy consumption in data transmission. This paper presents a complete data routing strategy for WBAN that implements a multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MO-PSO) based BNC placement scheme along with a cluster routing protocol. The proposed scheme uses a three-variable particle structure where the initial two variables specify the BNC coordinates, and the third variable determines the cluster head node. A multi-objective fitness evaluation operator estimates the fitness of MO-PSO particles in terms of network energy consumption and average bit error rate (BER) observed during a single round of data transmission. The developed model evolves into an optimal BNC location that minimizes network energy consumption and average BER simultaneously. A reduced BER further brings about a significant increase in network throughput rate. Simulation results depict that the proposed scheme achieves 67.1% energy efficiency with a 94% network throughput rate. The proposed scheme meets the requirement of a short operational period apart from minimal involvement of sensor nodes.