Investigation of MAC Algorithms for Cross-Boundary Exchange between Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

Increasing deployments of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), following the trend of the Internet of Thing (IoT), heightens the probability of the spatial overlap between WSNs in the same local area. The direct communication between distinctive networks can be supported by the direct interconnection between sensor nodes in any possible intersecting area. The packet transfer between the neighbouring networks offers multiple benefits by sharing data or network resources. However, the communication protocol adopted by each WSN can be different due to its conditions design and preferences preventing transmission and reception of packets from other network domains. One of the possible solutions for the compatibility problem is using a lightweight communication protocol for communication across the boundary while allowing networks to use its preferred communication stack inside its domain. This work investigates the MAC algorithm used for communication across the network boundary. The synchronous/asynchronous duty cycle MAC algorithm is practically evaluated by using a testbed. The experiment results suggest using the synchronous duty cycle protocol for communication across the network boundary consumes less energy offers improved latency and reliability than the previously proposed asynchronous duty cycle protocol.