(An) efficient network-wide broadcast protocol for asynchronous duty cycled sensor networks

Abstract

In recent days, many MAC protocols in sensor networks use the asynchronous duty cycling technique. Although the use of asynchronous duty cycling can significantly save the energy consumption and does not require time synchronization, supporting network wide broadcast is not easy due to the distinct characteristics. Therefore, designing an efficient broadcast protocol in asynchronous duty cycled networks is challenging issue. In this work, we propose an Efficient Network wide Broadcast protocol for Asynchronous duty cycled networks (ENBA). In ENBA, nodes forward a broadcast packet to neighbors only in the responsible set. With forwarder`s guidance for receivers and overhearing broadcast packets and acknowledgements, nodes can quickly downsize the responsible set to finish the broadcast mode as soon as possible. By suppressing unnecessary redundant transmissions and voiding collisions among multiple forwarders, ENBA archives the closely optimal message cost and significantly saves the energy consumption. The ns-2 simulation result shows the good performance of ENBA in terms of energy efficiency, delivery latency, and reliability.