Space-time coding for wireless sensor networks with cooperative routing diversity

In this work, the idea of cross-layer design for wireless sensor networks is exploited to improve the network performance. We present a new energy efficient cooperative routing scheme with space diversity using space-time block codes (STBCs) as well as the link quality. In our solution, the selected multiple nodes act as multiple transmitting and receiving antennas. Full diversity from the orthogonal STBC is utilized to overcome multipath fading and to enhance power efficiency. The steady state network performance measures, such as, network throughput and delay are analyzed via Markov chain modelling. Compared with the traditional single relay routing method and the single receiving diversity routing method, our proposed method outperforms the other two in low SNR environments and provides higher throughput and similar delay in high SNR environments.