+Since the network lifetime depends on sensor lifetime, the power depletion represents the most significant part during designing of the WSN protocols because of the limited capacity of the sensor batteries. The major goal is to extend the network lifetime, taking into consideration the energy source limitations. Several energy-efficient approaches have been suggested to minimize the energy consumption and extend the network lifetime during monitoring a certain area by WSN. %For example, one of the ways is to turn off the redundant sensors and put them in sleep mode to maintain the energy, whilst the active sensors perform the sensing coverage task during their life.
+Specifically, the energy-efficient protocols proposed in this dissertation focuses on the area coverage problem in WSNs. The major goal of the area coverage problem is to ensure monitoring the entire sensing field for a long time as possible. The area coverage problem is closely related to the performance of WSNs in many applications, such as monitoring the battlefield, target detection, tracking, personal protection, animal habit monitoring, and homeland security.