ConverSS: A Hybrid MAC/Routing Solution for Small-Scale, Convergecast Wireless Networks

In many applications of sensor-equipped mobile vehicle networks, an energy-efficient communication solution is required due to the limited battery on the vehicle. There are certain characteristics of vehicle-based networks that set them apart from typical sensor networks, namely that they are mobile and consist of only a few nodes. We adopt a design philosophy that optimizes the networking approach for these types of systems. We introduce ConverSS, a combined MAC/routing solution that provides reliable, efficient data delivery. Through simulation, we show that for these small-scale networks, the energy consumption of ConverSS performs almost as well as an omniscient routing protocol, and it is superior to a traditional layered protocol. We also show that it is tolerant to non-ideal link behavior, such as packet errors and asymmetric links.