PRIOREL-COMB: A protocol framework supporting relaying and packet combining forwireless industrial networking

The PRIOREL-COMB framework presented here integrates support for relaying and packet combining into wireless industrial networks. The selection of suitable relay nodes is made using distributed algorithms which includes different eligibility tests as well as different priority assignments. The framework improves performance in terms of probability to successfully deliver packets before their deadline and it can be implemented on top of commercial transceivers without modification of the physical layer. This class of protocols will therefore be a valuable addition to future wireless industrial communication systems.