Medium Access Control in Large Scale Clusters for Wireless Sensor Networks

—One of the main advantages of clustering algorithms is the ability to allow networks to be physically divided into smaller regions, thereby increasing the theoretical maximum number of nodes connected in the network. However, the physical limitations in bandwidth and number of nodes are drawbacks to this approach. While reducing the number of clusters can reduce the network complexity, it will increase the intra-cluster management. This paper analyses the different medium access schemes that can be used and discusses what influence they bring to the overall performance in terms of bandwidth usage, energy consumption and latency. Two novel approaches are also proposed. The first one refers to the limitation in the transmission period and the request for each node within the cluster to transmit once within that period. The second innovation compromises two of the access mechanisms described: the first divides the period in two different parts, while the second takes different bias ...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2009
• Where: AINA
• Authors: Pedro N. E. S. Barbosa, Neil M. White, Nick R. Harris
• Keywords: AINA 2009, Computer Networks, Main Advantages, Physical Limitations, Theoretical Maximum Number