Channel coding in multi-hop wireless sensor networks

In this paper, we analyze some of the problems concerning error correction and multi-hop communication in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Error control coding in sensor networks was investigated in some of the previous works. However, most of them didn't use a proper metric of comparison and/or method of energy consumption measurement. Bose, Chaudhuri and Hoquenghem (BCH) codes, Reed-Solomon (RS) codes, and convolutional codes are considered and JouleTrack (a web based tool for software energy profiling) is utilized to compute the decoding energy consumption. Energy efficiency is used as the performance metric for communication and the interaction of multi-hop communication and coding is investigated. RS codes with different error correction capabilities prove to be the best choice for sensor networks. While single-error correcting RS codes have the maximum value of energy efficiency in proper channel conditions or when the relay nodes are sufficient, the 5-error correcting code has a better performance in high BERs and is approximately similar to the single-error correcting code when the number of hops is sufficient for applying weaker codes.