VL-MAC: Virtual Link Based Multi-channel MAC Scheme in WSN

Multi-channel medium access control can fully utilize frequency resources of PHY layer, which can reduce interference and improve throughput. Aimed at clustered network, A virtual link based multi-channel MAC (VL-MAC) is proposed, which combines TDMA and FDMA. In VL-MAC, Cluster-heads schedule time-slots to achieve non-collision during intra-cluster communication. Inter-cluster communication between cluster heads is based on ldquocommon channel link (virtual link, VL)rdquo. Virtual MIMO is also employed to solve severe collision problem induced by enormous data around Sink node. The simulation indicates interference, latency and energy consumption can be reduced in VL-MAC.