Self-adapting MAC layer for wireless sensor networks

Mo Sha, Rahav Dor, Gregory Hackmann, Chenyang Lu, Tae Suk Kim, Taerim Park

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

The integration of wireless sensors with mobile phones is gaining momentum as an enabling platform for numerous emerging applications. These mobile systems face dynamic environments where both application requirements and ambient wireless conditions change frequently. Despite the existence of many MAC protocols, none can provide optimal characteristics along multiple dimensions, especially when the conditions are frequently changing. Instead of pursuing a one-MAC-fit-all approach we present the Self-Adapting MAC Layer (SAML) that dynamically selects and switches MAC protocols to gain the desired characteristics in response to changes in ambient conditions and application requirements. SAML comprises (1) a Reconfigurable MAC Architecture (RMA) that can switch to different MAC protocols at run time and (2) a learning-based MAC Selection Engine that selects the protocol most suitable for the current condition and requirements. To the application SAML appears as a traditional MAC layer and realizes its benefits through a simple API for the mobile applications. We have implemented SAML in TinyOS 2.x and built three prototypes containing up to five MACs. We evaluate the system in controlled tests and real-world environments using a new gateway device that integrates a 802.15.4 radio with Android phones. Our experimental results show that SAML can effectively adapt MAC layer behavior to meet varying application requirements in dynamic environments through judicious selection and efficient switching of MAC protocols.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings - IEEE 34th Real-Time Systems Symposium, RTSS 2013
Pages192-201
Number of pages10
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
EventIEEE 34th Real-Time Systems Symposium, RTSS 2013 - Vancouver, BC, Canada
Duration: Dec 3 2013Dec 6 2013

Publication series

NameProceedings - Real-Time Systems Symposium
ISSN (Print)1052-8725

Conference

ConferenceIEEE 34th Real-Time Systems Symposium, RTSS 2013
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityVancouver, BC
Period12/3/1312/6/13

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Self-adapting MAC layer for wireless sensor networks'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this