Cross-layer link adaptation design for UWB-based sensor networks

A routing protocol is essential for the success of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Its task is to ensure a reliable communication between neighbouring nodes, and to transmit data (via an intermediate node) form any node to the central node. However, unlike traditional ad hoc networks, WSN are energy constrained since nodes operate with limited battery capacity. Thus, the routing protocols for WSN must be designed with a focus on the energy efficiency criterion. This paper presents a cross-layer link adaptation scheme for an energy efficient routing protocol for ultra-wideband (UWB)-based sensor networks. We use a joint consideration of physical and multiple access layer in order to minimize the energy consumption of the network, and hence increasing its lifetime. Multiple accesses are assumed to have a UWB time-hopping signalling structure. Our goal is to define the link adaptation as a numerical optimization in which the energy consumption of a multihop route is taken into account.