Protocols for local data delivery in wireless microsensor networks

Sensor networks are becoming increasingly important as tools for monitoring remote environments. As sensors are typically battery-operated, it is important to efficiently use the limited energy of the nodes to extend the lifetime of the sensor network. Two factors can greatly influence the performance of protocols for these networks: the data delivery model, which describes how the end user wants to access the data; and the network dynamics, which include sensor mobility as well as changes in sensor data rates throughout the lifetime of the network. In this paper, we look at several media access control protocols for sending data from sensors to a local data collector. Comparing these protocols shows that there is an inherent tradeoff in energy efficiency with adaptability of the protocol.