Probabilistic Algorithms for Cost-Based Integrated MAC and Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper, the authors propose a new integrated MAC/routing algorithm for CSMA channel access based Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). In modern joint MAC/routing solutions for WSNs, forwarding decisions are often made based on metrics related to the advancements toward a specific destination (sink) and this is usually achieved through geographical routing and/or local indicators (virtual topologies) of the direction to be followed to get to the sink. In these settings, an important problem to be solved consists of providing extremely efficient next hop selection procedures, where relay nodes should be selected in a short time, in an energy efficient manner and promoting the nodes leading to positive geographical advancements toward the sink.