Reservation-based MAC protocol for underwater wireless sensor networks with data train

A reservation-based MAC protocol for underwater wireless sensor networks with data train was proposed in order to effectively reduce the channel conflict and improve the network throughput. In this protocol, a reservation period and a reservation confirmation period were introduced before the data transmission. Utilizing the RTS-CTS, the channel was reserved and the data packets were sorted. After the reservation period and the reservation confirmation period, all the data packets were transmitted in order. These methods can reduce the average reservation time and the waiting time of the nodes to send data, and effectively improve the network throughput. The simulation results show that the protocol can reduce the control packet cost and improve the network throughput when the network load is high. © 2017, Zhejiang University Press. All right reserved.