Cross-layer adaptive routing protocol for wireless sensor networks

Abstract

The unique nature of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) poses new design challenges for development of applications, protocols and algorithms. In recent years, a substantial amount of research effort has been directed towards overcoming the underlying challenges to minimize energy consumption by the sensor nodes. The exchange of routing control packets has a significant impact on energy consumption from the small irreplaceable and non rechargeable batteries of the sensor nodes. In this paper, we propose a cross-layer adaptive routing (CLAR) protocol for WSNs, which aims to minimize the use of routing control packets in WSNs; thereby minimizing energy consumption which in turn prolongs network-lifetime. We also develop analytical model to derive energy consumption for route establishment and present simulation results, which reveal better performance and improved energy efficiency in WSNs when using the proposed cross-layer adaptive routing protocol.