Cross-Layer Protocols for Energy Efficient Wireless Sensor Networking Phase II (CrossNet)

The objective of this Phase II SBIR is to develop a reference implementation and specification of the Phase 1 cross-layer wireless protocol that spans OSI layers 1 (physical) through 4 (transport) and reduces energy consumption in sensor networks; and validate its operation on a moderate-size sensor network. Phase I analysis suggests that an order of magnitude reduction in energy consumption over traditional approaches is achievable for typical UGS scenarios by optimizing services across layers. Our innovation combines novel extensions in link-layer MAC scheduling with recent network layer research in minimum energy diversity routing. The link-layer services also control power state of the radio to reduce errant listening. In all, the combination has been shown to eliminate major sources of energy consumption including idle listening, control signaling, and congestion hot-spots. The approach leverages our preliminary mock-up developed as part of the Phase I simulation testbed and related sensor network research to develop an implementation that addresses pragmatic concerns such as clock-error and computational complexity. The technology developed under this SBIR is anticipated to have broad application to DoD sensor networks as well as public commercial wireless systems and plant automation.