Research on Cross-Layer Frameworks Design in Wireless Sensor Networks

Cross-layer design, by way of joint optimizing the overall network layers in wireless sensor networks, provides an efficient alternative to traditional layered protocol architectures. This paper provides an introduction and comparison of three typical cross-layer frameworks from several aspects such as the targeted problems, major features and advantages, special functionalities, as well as possible drawbacks and shortcomings. Based on the analysis, special design considerations are classified and possible research directions are discussed.