SpeckMAC: low-power decentralised MAC protocols for low data rate transmissions in specknets

ABSTRACT

This paper introduces SpeckMAC, a novel low-power distributed, unsynchronised, random-access MAC protocol for a wireless mobile ad-hoc network of miniature specks called specknet. Two variations of the SpeckMAC protocol were compared theoretically with the well-known B-MAC protocol. All three MAC protocols were implemented on a larger speck prototype called the ProSpeckz for a logical location maintenance algorithm for two types of batteries with differing current drain profiles. ProSpeckz utilizing SpeckMAC-B and SpeckMAC-D showed improvements in lifetime over those using the B-MAC protocol by 27.4% and 38.0%, respectively when Polymer Li-ion batteries were used; and by 83.5% and 117.9%, respectively, when CR1220 button cells were employed.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.1 Network Architecture and Design
          Subjects: Wireless communication

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.2 Network Protocols

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Measurement, Performance

Keywords:
low-power MAC protocols, speckled computing, specknet, wireless mobile ad-hoc networks, wireless sensor networks