ECR-MAC: An energy-efficient and receiver-based MAC protocol for Cognitive Sensor Networks in smart grid

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have been widely recognized as a promising solution for enhancing various aspects of electric power grid and realizing the vision of smart grid. However, energy crisis and challenging wireless environment in smart grid create a number of challenges for WSNs, as a result of which energy efficiency become critically important. On the other hand, cognitive radio (CR) technology is expected to play a vital role in smart grid networks. Cognitive Sensor Networks (CSNs) can effectively address some unique challenges of WSNs in smart grid. In this paper, we aim to design an energy efficient Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol for CSNs. In this regard, we propose ECR-MAC, which is an energy-efficient receiver-based MAC protocol for CSNs. ECR-MAC uses a energy-efficiency based auction mechanism and preamble sampling techniques for providing high energy efficiency and reliability. In addition, ECR-MAC explicitly accounts for the peculiarities of a CR environment. Analytical and simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of ECR-MAC as a viable solution for CSNs.