Multi Layer Based Cluster MAC Protocol for Dense Wireless Sensor Network
Ji Hwan Moon, Tae Mu Chang · 2010
A new MAC protocol, ML-MAC(Multi-Layer Medium Access Control) by name, is proposed for dense sensor networks. If the density of nodes in a virtual cluster is high, the cluster header performs the splitting the nodes into several layers. Splitting is done by sending modified ACK messages after receiving the beacon message from the cluster header. Because only the sensor nodes in the same layer communicate each other, less power is consumed and longer network life time is guaranteed. By a simulation method with NS-2, we evaluated our protocol. In dense nodes environments, ML-MAC protocol shows better results than S-MAC in terms of packet delivery rates throughput and energy consumption.