Clustering or connected dominating set (CDS) both approaches can establish a virtual backbone (VB) in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) or wireless mesh networks (WMNs). Each cluster consisting of a cluster head (CH) and its neighboring nodes can form a dominating set. After some bridging nodes were selected, cluster heads (CHs) connected through these bridging nodes naturally formed a CDS. Although CDS provides obvious backbone architecture, however, the number of cluster heads and bridging nodes may be too large, this may cause the loss of advantages of virtual backbone. When we effectively reduce their numbers, more effectively WCDS (Weakly Connected Dominating Set) can be fining out. Some essential topics on constructing WCDS-based VB in WSN/WMN are discussed in this paper. From the point of view of three different protocol layers, including network (NWK) layer, MAC layer, and physical (PHY) layer, we explore their cross-layer research topics and design algorithms. For NWK layer, area-based WCDS algorithms and routing strategies including via VB and not via VB are discussed. For MAC layer, a WCDS-based energy-efficient MAC protocol is presented. For PHY layer, battery-aware alternative VB selections and sensor nodes with different transmission ranges are addressed.
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