Reduced Interference for wireless sensor networks

These interference-resistant techniques are designed to increase the reliability, bandwidth and energy efficiency of IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee wireless communication devices when subjected to varying external interference. The ACK with Interference Detection scheme and the Adaptive Protective Padding with Retransmission Control techniques can be used independently or jointly to help users optimize performance of wireless sensor network devices.

As wireless traffic increases, so does the potential for signals to interact with negative consequences. Our extensive studies on the causes of packet loss and interference in IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee wireless sensor network communications, including interactions with co-located signals have led to these approaches for protecting data transmissions. The ACK with interference detection scheme protects the acknowledgement frame of data transmission, while the adaptive protective padding technique safeguards each individual data packet transmitted. They provide the following benefits:

• Reliable data transfer with low packet loss with varying co-located interference.

• Energy and bandwidth efficient due to reduced retransmissions and losses.

• More data transmitted with less loss and packet retransmissions.

• Scalable as more wireless sensor nodes can be deployed in the network with the improved bandwidth efficiency and prolonged life span of each sensor node.

• Inexpensive to implement with only minor reprogramming of firmware.