Qualitative Evaluation of Cross-Layer Approaches in Wireless Sensor Networks

This paper provides a qualitative analysis of cross-layer approaches in wireless sensor networks. It begins by presenting two approaches in cross-layer design. The first one focuses on the existence of an auxiliary communication link between the layers - here the OSI layered-approach is being implied - in order to support the exchange of information which is useful for adaptation. The approach itself leaves the layered architecture intact. The second approach takes the OSI layer as a reference, but merges two or more layers together or defines an entirely new dimension to support efficient communication. Therefore, the newly formed architecture requires, in part or wholly, new suit of protocols which may not fit into the layered architecture. The flexibility and performance of the two approaches is compared by investigating some proposed network architectures.