Cross-Layer Energy Efficiency of FEC Coding in UWB Sensor Networks

In this paper, energy efficiency of forward error correction (FEC) coding in ultra wideband (UWB) wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is studied taking into account the characteristics of the physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers. The underlying goal has been to develop a cross-layer framework that allows the design of energy efficient FEC coding in UWB WSNs. This study is carried out using analytical derivations and simulations. A cross-layer approach, such as the one described here, provides a deeper understanding of the various factors that affect the energy consumption in WSNs, and how FEC coding can improve it. Results clearly show that coding improves the energy efficiency in UWB transceivers. By using the framework introduced here, UWB network designers can analyze the network energy efficiency already in the design phase