Comparison of Data-Driven Link Estimation Methods in Low-Power Wireless Networks

Abstract—Link estimation is a basic element of routing in lowpower wireless networks, and data-driven link estimation using unicast MAC feedback has been shown to outperform broadcastbeacon based link estimation. Nonetheless, little is known about the impact that different data-driven link estimation methods have on routing behaviors. To address this issue, we classify existing datadriven link estimation methods into two broad categories: L-NT that uses aggregate information about unicast and L-ETX that uses information about the individual unicast-physical transmissions. Through mathematical analysis and experimental measurement in a testbed of 98 XSM motes (an enhanced version of MICA2 motes), we examine the accuracy and stability of L-NT and L-ETX in estimating the ETX routing metric. We also experimentally study the routing performance of L-NT and L-ETX. We discover that these two representative, seemingly similar methods of data-driven link estimation differ significantly in ro...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2010
• Where: TMC
• Authors: Hongwei Zhang, Lifeng Sang, Anish Arora
• Keywords: Data-driven Link Estimation, Link Estimation, Routing, TMC 2010