Application of STBC-encoded cooperative transmissions in wireless sensor networks

The efficiency of space-time block code-encoded (STBC) cooperative transmission is studied within low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH), which is a typical networking/communication protocol for wireless sensor networks. Cooperation protocol with low overhead is proposed, and synchronization requirements among cooperating sensors are discussed. Energy efficiency is analyzed as a tradeoff between the reduced transmission energy consumption and the increased electronic and overhead energy consumption. Simulations show that with proper design, cooperative transmission can enhance energy efficiency and prolong sensor network lifetime.