Cross-Layer Interaction Between the Application, Routing and MAC Layers for Wireless Sensor Networks

This paper proposes a network protocol that relies on cross-layer interaction between the Medium Access Control (MAC), Network and Application layers for wireless sensor networks (WSN). The protocol uses Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) with varying time intervals, which, in conjunction with a routing protocol, defines the operation of network nodes and its relationship with the application layer. Simulation results indicate a reduction on the end-to-end delay and on the network average delay. The network power consumption is also reduced.