Minimum delay scheduling for raw-data convergecast in wireless field networks

Wireless field networks (WFNs) are type of ad hoc network which are employed for industrial automation applications. Delay plays an important role due to the time sensitive nature of such applications. In this paper, we build scheduling algorithms based on WFN standards such as WirelessHART and ISA 100.11a. The goal is to minimize the delay. Two heuristic scheduling algorithms are presented. The first algorithm is proposed based on finding maximum independent set (MIS). Advantage of this algorithm is its low complexity and ease of implementation, while not essentially optimizing the delay. The second algorithm minimizes the total delay of WFNs. Also, it controls the delay of each field node. Another objective which is surveyed in formulation of problem is to minimize the number of channels used in scheduling.