A Cross-Layer Optimization Framework for Energy Efficiency in Wireless Sensor Networks

We consider the extension of network lifetime of battery driven wireless sensor networks by splitting the sensing area into uniform clusters and implementing heterogeneous modulation schemes at different members of the clusters. A cross-layer optimization has been proposed to reduce total energy expenditure of the network; at network layer, routing is done through uniform clusters; at MAC layer, each sensor node of the cluster is assigned fixed or variable time slots and at physical layer different member of the clusters is assigned different modulation techniques. MATLAB simulation proved substantial network lifetime gains.