An adaptive CSMA/TDMA hybrid MAC for energy and throughput improvement of wireless sensor networks

IEEE 802.15.4 as a standard for low rate wireless personal area networks (LR-WPAN) is an applicative choice for implementation of wireless sensor networks. Due to the advantages of this standard and its capabilities for more specification to wireless sensor networks, we were persuaded to resolve some of its proven weaknesses in such environments. The slotted CSMA/CA method utilized in beacon-enabled mode of 802.15.4 causes unacceptable level of energy consumption and throughput in conditions like high loads. To overcome these issues, we proposed an adaptable CSMA/TDMA hybrid channel access method by applying some modifications to the 802.15.4 standard. The energy and throughput improvement is achieved by dedicating a part of the contention access period to a time division medium access protocol (TDMA). To evaluate our proposed method in comparison with 802.15.4, we developed a simulation in OMNeT++. Analysis of the simulation results indicates general improvement of energy consumption and throughput. As a sensor network grows more populated or the load increases, the proposed method shows a better performance in comparison with IEEE 802.15.4 standard.