Adaptive forward error correction for best effort Wireless Sensor Networks

In this work we propose an Adaptive Forward Error Correction (AFEC) algorithm for best effort Wireless Sensor Networks. The switching model is described in terms of a finite-state Markov model and it is based on the channel behavior, observed via Packet Delivery Ratio in the recent past. We compare the performance of AFEC with static FEC, as well as uncoded transmissions. The results demonstrate a gain in PDR achieved by introducing FEC coding in uncoded IEEE 802.15.4 transmissions, as well as the advantages over static FEC schemes, namely increased throughput and reduced energy consumption. The proposed solution is IEEE 802.15.4-compliant and requires no additional feedback channels.