Model for Virtual Physical Layer Communication over Deployed Wireless Sensor Networks

Authors

Thomas Childers, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, USA
Yow Thiam Poh, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, USA
John McEachen, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, USA
Murali Tummala, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, USA

Date of this Version

9-30-2009

Comments

Published in 3rd International Conference on Signal Processing and Communication Systems Omaha, Nebraska, 28-30 September 2009.

Abstract

A method for file transfer utilizing forward error correction (FEC) to pass traffic over deployed wireless sensor networks is studied. The entire wireless sensor network is modeled as an error-prone virtual physical link. Previous work in the area of terminal communication across the sensor network is expanded upon to include file transfer in order to provide a more capable channel and a basis for testing the performance obtained through erasure coding. The results of the FEC implementation are examined using multiple sensor network configurations. While the error correction method proved effective, larger topologies presented congestion issues due to the sensors’ use of CSMA. Recommendations for future improvements are proposed.