Using multiple communication channels for efficient data dissemination in wireless sensor networks

This paper presents McTorrent and McSynch, two multichannel sensor network protocols for data dissemination. Both protocols are designed to take advantage of the spatial multiplexing properties of the half-duplex radio transceivers available on the current generation of sensor nodes. McTorrent is used for reliable end-to-end dissemination of a large data object. Compared to existing protocols, we show that McTorrent significantly reduces the amount of time required to propagate a large data object throughout a sensor network. McSynch is used to achieve data object synchronization within a local cluster of nodes. By using a scheduled channel access approach and an appropriate number of transmission channels, McSynch can significantly reduce the amount of time required to update a local cluster. We also describe our experiences implementing a multichannel system, and report on lessons learned for channel and frequency settings.