Date of Award

3-2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Computer Engineering

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Advisor

Barry E. Mullins, PhD

Abstract

Wireless networks have become ubiquitous recently and therefore their usefulness has also become more extensive. Wireless sensor networks (WSN) detect environmental information with sensors in remote settings. One problem facing WSNs is the inability to resupply power to these energy-constrained devices due to their remoteness. Therefore to extend a WSN's effectiveness, the lifetime of the network must be increased by making them as energy efficient as possible. An energy efficient medium access control (MAC) can boost a WSN's lifetime. This research creates a MAC protocol called Adaptive sensor Medium Access Control (AMAC) which is based on Sensor Medium Access Control (SMAC) which saves energy by periodically sleeping and not receiving. AMAC adapts to traffic conditions by incorporating multiple duty cycles. Under a high traffic load, AMAC has a short duty cycle and wakes up often. Under a low traffic load, AMAC has a longer duty cycle and wakes up infrequently. The AMAC protocol is simulated in OPNET Modeler using various topologies. AMAC uses 15% less power and 22% less energy per byte than SMAC but doubles the latency. AMAC is promising and further research can decrease its latency and increase its energy efficiency.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GCE-ENG-06-03

DTIC Accession Number

ADA449616

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