ARZSEP: Angle-Based Routing Optimization in ZSEP Protocol for Heterogeneous WSNs

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are instrumental in various modern applications, such as environmental monitoring and data collection. However, prolonging their lifespan and optimizing data transmission pose considerable challenges. This study introduces ARZSEP (Angle-based Routing in Zone-based SEP), a novel heterogeneous routing protocol aimed at addressing these challenges. ARZSEP optimizes resource allocation by employing angle-based zone formation, which categorizes sensor nodes based on angular coordinates relative to a central sink node. This approach effectively minimizes energy consumption during data transmission and enhances Cluster Head selection for data aggregation. The energy efficiency of ARZSEP is underpinned by a comprehensive model that takes into account distance-dependent energy dissipation, node types, and data packet size. Additionally, adaptive routing dynamically selects efficient routes based on real-time energy metrics, ensuring optimal data relay. ARZSEP builds on the foundation of ZSEP (Zone-based Stable Election Protocol), which optimizes energy consumption by dividing the network into zones and selecting cluster heads based on node energy levels within each zone. Through MATLAB simulations, ARZSEP's superiority over other protocols is demonstrated, showcasing significant improvements in various metrics. Specifically, ARZSEP achieved a Cumulative Packets Transmitted to BS of 222,045 bits and extended the Network Lifetime to 3821 rounds, among other notable results. Overall, ARZSEP contributes to extending the operational lifespan of WSNs, improving data routing efficiency, and optimizing energy usage. The proposed protocol shows improvements in the time for the first node to die by 104.4%, 49.4%, and 36.7%; the time for half the nodes to die by 62.8%, 33.0%, and 0.8%; and the time for all nodes to die by 20.7%, 26.1%, and 7.5%, compared to LEACH, SEP, and ZSEP respectively.