Thesis

Cross-layer design of adaptive communications solutions in wireless sensor networks

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2009
Thesis identifier
  • T12261
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Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • In the actual era of the information digitisation, the technological advances are enabling the development of Wireless Sensor Networks for the observation of physical phenomena in environmental, industrial and commercial domains. The proposed applications require ever larger networks in size and number of nodes that involve the use of multi-hop communications in order to collect information in the base stations (sinks) of the network. Due to the limited energy and radio resources of the sensor nodes and, taking into account the dynamics of such networks in terms of topology, application requirements, congestion access and node failures, the interconnection of such networks into effective systems is extremely difficult in order to achieve the exigent lifetime expectation. This research focuses on the design of communication protocols directed to increase the adaptability of the network with the aim of managing these network dynamics, congestion and failure problems. The methodology used consists in the co-design of cross-layer solutions that make use of adaptive techniques like smart antennas, hybrid access mechanism and merged Routing-MAC proactive schemes. The cross-layer developments have been integrated into a flexible communications framework (XLCA) that includes the functionality needed in sensor networks applications. The exercising and evaluation of XLCA has demonstrated the adaptability skills and potential to extend the operational network lifetime of the proposed cross-layer techniques. The results of this research show that the integration of functionality and capabilities of the various communication elements (Routing, MAC and Physical), firstly, allow to adjust the post-deployment nodes operation that enhance the network adaptability and, secondly, optimises the use of radio resources, which consequently increases the longevity of the network.
Resource Type
DOI
EThOS ID
  • uk.bl.ethos.501664
Date Created
  • 2009
Former identifier
  • 796036

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