Enhanced Radio Frequency (RF) collection with distributed wireless sensor networks

摘要

In this research, a novel approach for conducting signals intelligence from a distributed network of wireless nodes is developed. The primary objective of this research is enhancing signal collection in a specified target direction. Two conflicting priorities are addressed. One is the time required to determine the target direction and form the beams. The other is the energy consumption involved in developing these solutions. Two competing enhanced collection methodologies (ECM), ECM-1 and ECM-2, were developed and analyzed. ECM-1 uses a combination of time difference of arrival (TDOA) and adaptive beamforming. ECM-2 uses adaptive beamforming that performs a beamscan similar to phased-array radars. Additionally, two competing methods for forming the beams are developed. Method One uses data exclusively from the same elements. Method Two uses data from a new subset of sensors, for each iteration. Analytical expressions were derived for energy consumption and the time required to develop, to compare the competing methodologies. ECM-1 is shown to be far superior to ECM-2 in both energy consumption and the time required to enhance signal collection, whereas Method Two is shown to be far superior to Method One in formation of the beams.