Qualitative Evaluation of Cross-Layer Approaches in Wireless Sensor Networks

This paper provides a qualitative analysis of cross-layer approaches in wireless sensor networks. It begins by presenting two approaches in cross-layer design. The first one focuses on the existence of an auxiliary communication link between the layers - here the OSI layered-approach is being implied - in order to support the exchange of information which is useful for adaptation. The approach itself leaves the layered architecture intact. The second approach takes the OSI layer as a reference, but merges two or more layers together or defines an entirely new dimension to support efficient communication.