Error Control in Wireless Sensor Networks: A Cross Layer Analysis

• Published in: IEEE/ACM transactions on networking Vol. 17; no. 4; pp. 1186 - 1199
• Main Authors: Vuran, M.C., Akyildiz, I.F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.08.2009; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Automatic repeat request; Broadcasting; Channels; Computer networks; cross layer analysis; Cross layer design; Delay; Energy consumption; Error analysis; Error correction; Error detection; Forward error correction; hybrid ARQ; latency; Networks; Routing; Routing (telecommunications); Sensors; Wireless sensor networks
• ISSN: 1063-6692; 1558-2566
• DOI: 10.1109/TNET.2008.2009971

Error control is of significant importance for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) because of their severe energy constraints and the low power communication requirements. In this paper, a cross-layer methodology for the analysis of error control schemes in WSNs is presented such that the effects of multi-hop routing and the broadcast nature of the wireless channel are investigated. More specifically, the cross-layer effects of routing, medium access, and physical layers are considered. This analysis enables a comprehensive comparison of forward error correction (FEC) codes, automatic repeat request (ARQ), and hybrid ARQ schemes in WSNs. The validation results show that the developed framework closely follows simulation results.