Cross layer design and implementation for balancing energy efficiency in wireless sensor networks

In this study, we propose a cross layer joint routing and MAC-PHY design to achieve energy balance and energy efficiency simultaneously in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). The energy balanced routing distributes the levels of residue energy evenly throughout the network, while the optimal transmission power control achieves further energy savings by adjusting transmission power to meet communication quality requirement at the receiver. Further more, we have implemented the proposed approach into TinyOS component running on Tmote-Sky sensor nodes. The results of our experimental study clearly show that the proposed the cross layer approach with energy balanced routing scheme and optimal power control improves energy efficiency while achieving energy balance as well.