Runtime adaptation key to extend lifetime of wireless sensor networks

Most applications require wireless sensor networks to operate without human intervention for a long period. We present overview of runtime adaptive collaborative cross-layer (ACCL) framework which prolong the lifetime of wireless sensor networks considerably. Most existing lifetime extending strategies target some specific feature of the network and lack holistic view of the network. Collaboration enables maximization of resource utilization while cross-layer design allows layers to be able to cooperate to make a better decision. Due to network dynamics, link quality variation, and change in application parameters over time, collaboration and/or cross-layer design without runtime adaptation are not able to extend network lifetime significantly. The ACCL framework spans all layers of the network, has network wide knowledge to facilitate collaboration and takes as input the changing application parameters and environment variation including the radio medium dynamics. In addition, it does not require redesigning of existing protocols and algorithms to incorporate runtime adaptation; rather it targets easy integration of existing solutions.