Distance Measurement Model Based on RSSI in WSN

The relationship between RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) values and distance is the foundation and the key of ranging and positioning technologies in wireless sensor networks. Log-normal shadowing model (LNSM), as a more general signal propagation model, can better describe the relationship between the RSSI value and distance, but the parameter of variance in LNSM is depended on experiences without self-adaptability. In this paper, it is found that the variance of RSSI value changes along with distance regularly by analyzing a large number of experimental data. Based on the result of analysis, we proposed the relationship function of the variance of RSSI and distance, and established the log-normal shadowing model with dynamic variance (LNSM-DV). At the same time, the method of least squares(LS) was selected to estimate the coefficients in that model, thus LNSM-DV might be adjusted dynamically according to the change of environment and be self-adaptable. The experimental results show that LNSM-DV can further reduce error, and have strong self-adaptability to various environments compared with the LNSM.