Cross-layer adaptive routing protocol for wireless sensor networks

The unique nature of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) poses new design challenges for development of applications, protocols and algorithms. In recent years, a substantial amount of research effort has been directed towards overcoming the underlying challenges to minimize energy consumption by the sensor nodes. The exchange of routing control packets has a significant impact on energy consumption from the small irreplaceable and non rechargeable batteries of the sensor nodes. In this paper, we propose a cross-layer adaptive routing (CLAR) protocol for WSNs, which aims to minimize the use of routing control packets in WSNs; thereby minimizing energy consumption which in turn prolongs network-lifetime. We also develop analytical model to derive energy consumption for route establishment and present simulation results, which reveal better performance and improved energy efficiency in WSNs when using the proposed cross-layer adaptive routing protocol.