Abstract
Most applications of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) assume the presence of single-channel Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols. In the usual dense deployment of the sensor networks, single-channel MAC protocols may be deficient because of radio collisions and limited bandwidth. Hence, using multiple channels can significantly improve the performance of WSN. Recent developments in sensor technology, as seen in Crossbow’s MICAz Mote, Rockwell’s WINS nodes and IEEE 802.15.4 Zigbee, have enabled support for multi-channel communications. Several multi-channel MAC protocols with different objectives have been proposed for WSNs in literature. This paper surveys and classifies the state-of-the-art multi-channel MAC protocols that are proposed for WSNs. It first outlines the sensor network properties that are crucial for designing a MAC protocol. It subsequently reviews the existent challenges to design a good multi-channel MAC protocol for the sensor networks. Then, several multi-channel MAC protocols specifically proposed for the WSNs are inspected in detail and compared with each other. Finally, some open issues in this area are outlined for future research.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
