Cross-Layer Protocols for WSNs: A Simple Design and Simulation Paradigm

In this paper, we propose a Cross-Layer Application-aware Paradigm (CLAP) for designing and simulating Cross-Layer (CL) protocols. CLAP allows each layer to publish its local information to be shared with other layers and subscribe to other layers' shared information via an Information-Layer (I-Layer). The controlling layer, where optimization decisions are made, also utilizes the I-Layer to configure the behavior of other layers according to its current demands and their reported status. The publish/subscribe behavior is achieved by a new API designed as an augmentation to the SIDnet-SWANS simulator. This eliminates the need for bypassing/hacking conventional design hierarchies and simulator architectures, which greatly reduces the design and implementation complexities of CL protocols. CLAP facilitates CL interactions and extends the application layer's awareness and capabilities. This will lead CL protocol design in WSNs to a higher level of awareness via seamless CL information access and sharing, a new dimension of adaptability to operating conditions via continuous reconfiguration, and much simpler implementations.