Abstract:In this paper, the sensing characteristics of randomly deployed sensor networks in the real environment are analyzed. The calculation model of the degree of redundancy of the sensors whose sensing ranges satisfy the normal distribution without location information is proposed, and the calculation model of the minimum number of working nodes, which can provide the desired quality of coverage (QoC), is also proposed. Based on the models, an Energy Efficient Coverage Conserving Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks (EECCP) is presented, which enables the collaborative scheduling of distributed nodes and balances the energy consumption of each node. The purpose of energy conservation of the networks is achieved since the EECCP maintains the least number of nodes, as working nodes to provide the desired QoC. Simulation results show that the EECCP not only provides the desired QoC, but also reduces network energy consumption and prolongs network useful lifetime effectively.