Aware Node Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Harris Hawks Optimization

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26636/jtit.2025.4.2285

Keywords:

6G cognitive semantic communication, context-aware resource management, Harris hawks optimization, node positioning, semantic-aware localization, WSN

Abstract

Precise and efficient localization is a key enabler for context-aware operations in emerging 6G cognitive semantic communication (CSC) systems. In AI-native and semantic-aware networks, precise node positioning improves semantic compression, context-driven routing, and adaptive spectrum allocation, positively affecting communication reliability and resource utilization efficiency. This paper addresses the problem of localization in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in the broader context of 6G CSC, formulating it as an optimization task. Based on the previous research, we explore the application of bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithms to achieve robust and high accuracy positioning. Specifically, we propose the use of the Harris hawks optimization (HHO) algorithm to develop a semantic-aware, stable, and efficient localization framework. The proposed approach is implemented and tested within the Matlab simulation environment. Performance evaluation is conducted through comparative experiments with two widely used optimization algorithms: particle swarm optimization (PSO) and cuckoo search optimization (CSO). The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed HHO-based localization method not only improves positioning accuracy by up to 25% compared to the benchmarks, but also provides enhanced stability, enabling its integration with CSC architectures for intelligent resource management in next-generation networks.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] D.W. Wajgi and J.V. Tembhurne, "Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks and Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks Using Clustering Techniques", Multimedia Tools and Applications, vol. 83, pp. 6829-6879, 2023.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-023-15956-z

[2] M.M. Saeed et al., "A Comprehensive Survey on 6G-security: Physical Connection and Service Layers", Discover Internet of Things, vol. 5, art. no. 28, 2025.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43926-025-00123-7

[3] L. Doherty, K.S.J. Pister, and L. El Ghaoui, "Convex Position Estimation in Wireless Sensor Networks", Twentieth Annual Joint Conference of the IEEE Computer and Communications Societies, Anchorage, USA, 2001.
View in Google Scholar

[4] K. Saleem et al., "Intelligent Multi-agent Model for Energy-efficient Communication in Wireless Sensor Networks", EURASIP Journal on Information Security, art. no. 9, 2024.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13635-024-00155-6

[5] Y. Zhao et al., "Real-time Localization in Wireless Sensor Network with Multimedia Applications", Multimedia Tools and Applications, vol. 77, pp. 21791-21801, 2018.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-017-5506-z

[6] S. Yun et al., "A Soft Computing Approach to Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks", Expert Systems with Applications, vol. 36, pp. 7552-7561, 2009.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2008.09.064

[7] A. Gopakumar and L. Jacob, "Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Particle Swarm Optimization", IET International Conference on Wireless, Mobile and Multimedia Networks, Beijing, China, 2008.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1049/cp:20080185

[8] A. Kumar, A. Khosla, J.S. Saini, and S. Singh, "Computational Intelligence Based Algorithm for Node Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks", 2012 6th IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Systems, Sofia, Bulgaria, 2012.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/IS.2012.6335173

[9] X.-B. Meng, Y. Liu, X. Gao, and H. Zhang, "A New Bio-inspired Algorithm: Chicken Swarm Optimization", Advances in Swarm Intelligence, pp. 86-94, 2014.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-11857-4_10

[10] S. Goyal and M.S. Patterh, "Wireless Sensor Network Localization Based on Cuckoo Search Algorithm", Wireless Personal Communications, vol. 79, pp. 223-234, 2024.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11277-014-1850-8

[11] S. Rabhi, F. Semcheddine, and N. Mbarek, "An Improved Method for Distributed Localization in WSNs Based on Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm", Automatic Control and Computer Sciences, vol. 55, pp. 286-296, 2021.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.3103/S0146411621030081

[12] M. Miloud, R. Abdellatif, and P. Lorenz, "Moth Flame Optimization Algorithm Range-based for Node Localization Challenge in Decentralized Wireless Sensor Network", International Journal of Distributed Systems and Technologies (IJDST), vol. 10, pp. 82-109, 2019.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/IJDST.2019010106

[13] Z. Lalama, Zahia, S. Boulfekhar, and F. Semechedine, "Localization Optimization in WSNs Using Meta-heuristics Optimization Algorithms: A Survey", Wireless Personal Communications, vol. 122, pp. 1197-1220, 2022.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11277-021-08945-8

[14] H. Liouane et al., "Regularized Least Square Multi-hops Localization Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks", IEEE Access, vol. 9, pp. 136406-136418, 2021.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3116767

[15] S. Messous, H. Liouane, O. Cheikhrouhou, and H. Hamam, "Improved Recursive DV-hop Localization Algorithm with RSSI Measurement for Wireless Sensor Networks", Sensors, vol. 21, art. no. 4152, 2021.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s21124152

[16] S.K. Haider et al., "Energy Efficient UAV Flight Path Model for Cluster Head Selection in Next Generation Wireless Sensor Networks", Sensors, vol. 21, art. no. 8445, 2021.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s21248445

[17] D. Karunanidy et al., "An Intelligent Optimized Route-discovery Model for IoT-Based VANETs", Processes, vol. 9, art. no. 2171, 2021.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9122171

[18] A.A. Heidari et al., "Harris Hawks Optimization: Algorithm and Applications", Future Generation Computer Systems, vol. 97, pp. 849-872, 2019.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.future.2019.02.028

[19] K. Sheth et al., "A Taxonomy of AI Techniques for 6G Communication Networks", Computer Communication, vol. 161, pp. 279-303, 2020.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comcom.2020.07.035

[20] E. Strinati et al., "Goal-oriented and Semantic Communication in 6G AI-native Networks: The 6G-GOALS Approach", 2024 Joint European Conference on Networks and Communications & 6G Summit (EuCNC/6G Summit), Antwerp, Belgium, 2024.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/EuCNC/6GSummit60053.2024.10597087

[21] Y. Fu, W. Cheng, W. Zhang, and J. Wang, "Scalable Extraction Based Semantic Communication for 6G Wireless Networks", IEEE Communications Magazine, vol. 62, pp. 96-102, 2024.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/MCOM.021.2300269

[22] H. Wei et al., "Localization Performance Analysis Based on Channel Knowledge Map", Physical Communication, vol. 72, art. no. 102721, 2025.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phycom.2025.102721

[23] J. Li et al., "Vehicle Positioning Method Based on UAV Assisted RIS Integrated Sensing and Communication System", Physical Communication, vol. 72, art. no. 102780, 2025.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phycom.2025.102780

[24] P. Dong, Q. Wu, X. Zhang, and G. Ding, "Edge Semantic Cognitive Intelligence for 6G Networks: Novel Theoretical Models, Enabling Framework, and Typical Applications", China Communications, vol. 19, pp. 1-14, 2022.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.23919/JCC.2022.08.001

[25] Q. Cui et al., "Overview of AI and Communication for 6G Network: Fundamentals, Challenges, and Future Research Opportunities", Science China Information Sciences, vol. 68, art. no. 171301, 2024.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11432-024-4337-1

[26] S. Sharif, F. Khandaker, and W. Ejaz, "Semantic Communication: Implication for Resource Optimization in 6G Networks", 2024 IEEE International Conference on Advanced Telecommunication and Networking Technologies (ATNT), Johor Bahru, Malaysia, 2024.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ATNT61688.2024.10719121

[27] C. Wang et al., "Multimodal Semantic Communication Accelerated Bidirectional Caching for 6G MEC", Future Generation Computer Systems, vol. 140, pp. 225-237, 2022.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.future.2022.10.036

[28] M. Chen et al., "Cross-modal Graph Semantic Communication Assisted by Generative AI in the Metaverse for 6G", Research, vol. 7, art. no. 0342, 2024.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.34133/research.0342

[29] Y. Sanjalawe et al., "A Review of 6G and AI Convergence: Enhancing Communication Networks with Artificial Intelligence", IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society, vol. 6, pp. 2308-2355, 2025.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/OJCOMS.2025.3553302

[30] A.K. Abasi, M. Aloqaily, M. Guizani, and B. Ouni, "Metaheuristic Algorithms for 6G Wireless Communications: Recent Advances and Applications", Ad Hoc Networks, vol. 158, art. no. 103474, 2024.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adhoc.2024.103474

[31] A.K. Abasi et al., "A Survey on Securing 6G Wireless Communications Based Optimization Techniques", 2023 International Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing (IWCMC), Marrakesh, Morocco, 2023.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/IWCMC58020.2023.10183210

[32] D.K. Jain et al., "Metaheuristic Optimization-based Resource Allocation Technique for Cybertwin-driven 6G on IoE Environment", IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, vol. 18, pp. 4884-4892, 2022.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TII.2021.3138915

[33] Y. Lil, X. Zhou, and J. Zhao, "Resource Allocation for Semantic Communication Under Physical-layer Security", GLOBECOM 2023 - 2023 IEEE Global Communications Conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2023.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/GLOBECOM54140.2023.10437297

[34] W. Yang et al., "Semantic Communication Meets Edge Intelligence", IEEE Wireless Communications, vol. 29, pp. 28-35, 2022.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/MWC.004.2200050

[35] S.R. Pokhrel and J. Choi, "Understand-before-talk (UBT): A Semantic Communication Approach to 6G Networks", IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, vol. 72, pp. 3544-3556, 2022.
View in Google Scholar DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TVT.2022.3219363

Cover page issue 4/2025

Downloads

Published

2025-12-31

Issue

Vol. 102 No. 4 (2025)

Section

ARTICLES FROM THIS ISSUE

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Seddik Rabhi

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

[1]
S. Rabhi, “Aware Node Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Harris Hawks Optimization”, JTIT, vol. 102, no. 4, pp. 1–10, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.26636/jtit.2025.4.2285.