Multichannel assignment protocols in wireless sensor networks: A comprehensive survey

With the spectacular development in radio and MEMS technologies, having sensor nodes capable of efficiently tuning their frequency over different channels is becoming more and more straightforward. For instance, TelosB motes can communicate on multiple frequencies as specified in the 802.15.4 standard. This reality has given birth to the multichannel communication paradigm in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). While, multichannel communication obviously mitigates interferences, jamming and congestion, it also raises a number of challenging issues. In this paper, we set out to present a picture of multichannel assignment protocols in WSNs. After identifying the reasons of resorting to multichannel communication paradigm in WSNs and the specific issues that should be tackled, we propose a classification of multichannel assignment protocols, pointing out different channel selection policies, channel assignment categories and channel assignment methods. We conclude by a recapitulative table presenting many examples of existing multichannel protocols designed for WSNs and highlight promising research directions.