Research Area:  Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract:

   This thesis explores Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol design for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) with directional antennas. In particular, this work focuses on ways of realistically improving the network performance and quality of service (QoS) with directional antennas. MAC protocols play a vital role in making effective use of a multi-access channel as they govern the achievable channel utilization efficiency and QoS.
   An analytical technique is introduced to evaluate the performance of DMAC protocols incorporating a hub node with multiple directional antennas, which is used in combination with simulation to investigate the effects of antenna pattern overlap. While the results show that directional antennas with a suitable MAC protocol can provide enhanced performance, the antenna overlap ratio has a significant impact on the potential improvements.

Name of the Researcher:  Arnold Chau

Name of the Supervisor(s):  John Dawson and Paul Mitchell

Year of Completion:  2020

University:  University of York

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