A Packet Prioritization Scheme for supporting QoS in Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a packet prioritization scheme using preamble signal and backoff time which is designed to provide a differentiated channel occupation with a packet priority in wireless sensor networks. This scheme aims at enabling QoS such as fast delivery of high priority packets by reducing their backoff time as well as thus securing higher channel occupation. We expect that it could also improve the channel utilization of the entire network by avoiding unnecessary channel contention. For the purpose, we add new features of multiple queue and preamble modification to the TinyOS based B-MAC. This scheme achieves 82-88% reduction in delivery time of high priority packets, thus it enables realtime support for urgent applications.