Research On The MAC Protocols In Wireless Sensor Networks

In wireless sensor networks, MAC layer protocols are capable of determining the wireless channel utilization in terms of limited radio resource allocation. They are the key lower layer factors that are able to guarantee efficient network transmission and greatly affect system performance.This thesis first makes a survey of design requirements of MAC layer protocols in wireless sensor networks, and then introduces present algorithms based on competition and fixed allocation principles. Specifically, schemes based on competition, which can match the physical characteristics of wireless sensor network, have been discussed in detail and S-MAC protocol has been explored. Then utilizing the special architecture of wireless sensor network, SS-MAC protocol is proposed to improve the performance of S-MAC protocol in sparse data applications by reducing the node energy consumption and extending the life span of the network.At last, it summarized the researches in graduate life and give out a vista of future work. Besides, this thesis also proposes the fusion of various networks to enlighten advanced design of MAC layer protocol. It can be predicted that cross layer optimization, which is the technique trend in the design of wireless sensor networks, should encounter various application in wider areas in the near future.