An Adaptive Algorithm for Dynamic Tuning of MAC Parameters in IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee Sensor Networks

摘要

Recent studies have highlighted that IEEE 802.15.4 based wireless sensor networks (WSNs) suffer from a severe unreliability problem due to the default MAC parameters setting suggested by the standard, although with a more appropriate choice it is possible to achieve the desired reliability and better energy efficiency. However, such setting is strictly related to the operating conditions which, in general, vary over time and thus cannot be predicted in advance (i.e., before the deployment). In this paper, we propose an ADaptive Access Parameters Tuning (ADAPT) algorithm for dynamically adjusting the MAC parameters, based on the desired level of reliability and actual operating conditions experienced by the sensor nodes. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the ADAPT algorithm is able to provide the desired reliability with a very low energy expenditure, even under operating conditions that dynamically change with time.