A concept for cross-layer optimization of wireless sensor networks in the logistics domain by exploiting business knowledge

Energy is limited in wireless sensor networks due to mostly battery-operated wireless sensor nodes. Consequently, an efficient energy usage significantly enhances the lifetime of a wireless sensor network. In this paper, we propose a cross-layer optimization concept that exploits business knowledge in the logistics domain to adapt communication by business relevancy. A corresponding information value is assessed for each detected event. Energy and communication costs can be saved by dropping or postponing the transmission of less relevant event information, without negative impact on the business and application level.