Adaptive Channel Access Control Solving Compound Problem of Hidden Nodes and Continuous Collisions among Periodic Data Flows

Abstract

With the rapid increase in IoT (Internet of Things) applications, more sensor devices, generating periodic data flows whose packets are transmitted at regular intervals, are being incorporated into WSNs (Wireless Sensor Networks). However, packet collision caused by the hidden node problem is becoming serious, particularly in large-scale multi-hop WSNs. Moreover, focusing on periodic data flows, continuous packet collisions among periodic data flows occur if the periodic packet transmission phases become synchronized. In this paper, we tackle the compounded negative effect of the hidden node problem and the continuous collision problem among periodic data flows. As this is a complex variant of the hidden node problem, there is no simple and well-studied solution. To solve this problem, we propose a new MAC layer mechanism. The proposed method predicts a future risky duration during which a collision can be caused by hidden nodes by taking into account the periodic characteristics of data packet generation. In the risky duration, each sensor node stops transmitting data packets in order to avoid collisions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that considers the compounded effect of hidden nodes and continuous collisions among periodic data flows. Other advantages of the proposed method include eliminating the need for any new control packets and it can be implemented in widely-diffused IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.15.4 devices.