A hierarchical time synchronization algorithm for WSN

Abstract Wireless sensor networks generally require large-scale deployment. Each node in the network is solely responsible for data sensing in a certain area. In order to determine the sequence in which sensing data is generated, time synchronization between nodes is necessary. Due to the delay of multi-hop transmission and the influence of the frequency shift of the node crystal frequencies, the error of time synchronization between the nodes is larger. In order to reduce the error of time synchronization, it is common practice to increase the number of synchronizations. But this method will cause the node energy consumption to increase, affecting the network survival time. In order to solve this problem, a layered wireless sensor network time synchronization algorithm is proposed with reference to the unidirectional broadcast mechanism and bidirectional pairing mechanism. The algorithm uses a hierarchical strategy for time synchronization, while introducing a synchronization error compensation mechanism and clock compensation mechanism. Under the premise of ensuring the accuracy of time synchronization, the algorithm reduces the energy consumption of nodes and prolongs the network lifetime.