Impact of cross-layer interactions between Radio Duty Cycling and routing on the efficiency of a Wireless Sensor Network: A testbed study involving ContikiMAC and RPL

Impact of cross-layer interactions between Radio Duty Cycling and routing on the efficiency of a Wireless Sensor Network: A testbed study involving ContikiMAC and RPL ■

Maite Bezunartea, Thi Quynnh Mai Banh, Miguel Gamallo, Jacques Tiberghien, Kris Steenhaut

Abstract ■

The RPL routing protocol and ContikiMAC are respectively two of the most popular routing and Radio Duty Cycling protocols for Wireless Sensor Networks. However, their interactions have not yet been completely understood. In this paper we explore the influence that an often neglected parameter of ContikiMAC (the CCA threshold) has on the performance of a RPL network. Different real-world experiments are presented in this study, proving that the correct parameter tuning is essential in order to have an efficient network. Based on our experience, we provide preliminary guidelines for deploying a functional WSN using these protocols in an interference-poor environment.