Simplified Theoretical Model based Self-adaptive Packet Reception Rate Estimation in Sensor Networks

Real-time and accurate packet reception rate estimation is crucial for wireless sensor networks. However, existing approaches usually rely on offline data collection and training, which limits their generality. Specifically, models fitted by the test data acquired under specific conditions cannot be used in all environments and for arbitrary packet sizes. In this paper, a simplification method for the theoretical bit error rate model of IEEE 802.15.4 2.4 GHz physical layer is proposed, which is about 18 to 38 times faster than the original one. Then, with the simplified model, a lightweight packet reception rate estimation approach is designed, which is self-adaptive to different environments and arbitrary packet sizes. With the proposed approach, offline data collection and training are no longer needed, which will reduce deployment cost effectively. Compared with state-of-the-art approaches, estimate error of the proposed one is reduced by 2.46%similar to 74.97% in different environments, and by 2.46%similar to 62.00% for different packet sizes.