Wireless sensor network applications call for different kinds of network protocols at different levels of the network stack based on application requirements. A number of medium access control (MAC) protocols have been proposed in the literature. Evaluation of most of these MAC protocols have typically been based on simulation, and while such simulation provides interesting insight into the behavior of these protocols, artifacts caused by behavior of hardware is ignored. Further more, MAC protocols are usually evaluated by comparing the new protocol with others based on one or two metrics, the ones that determined the design decisions for the protocol under evaluation. In this thesis, we present a comprehensive evaluation of MAC protocols based on a set of common metrics. The evaluation is conducted by way of experiments on a test bed of real sensor hardware for different scenarios and work loads that would match different application requirements.

Technologies in today’s society are rapidly developing at a pace that is challenging to stay up to date with. As an increasing number of global regions are implementing smart methods and strategies for sustainable development, they are continually searching for modern advancements within computer science, sensor networks, software engineering, and smart technologies. A compilation of research is needed that displays current applications of computing methodologies in the progression of global cities and how smart technologies are being utilized. Sensor Network Methodologies for Smart Applications is a collection of innovative research on the methods of intelligent systems and technologies and their various applications within sustainable development practices. While highlighting topics including machine learning, network security, and optimization algorithms, this book is ideally designed for researchers, scientists, developers, programmers, engineers, educators, policymakers, geographers, planners, and students seeking current research on smart technologies and sensor networks.

"This book focuses on wireless sensor networks and their operation, covering topics including routing, energy efficiency and management"--

This book provides a literature review of various wireless MAC protocols and techniques for achieving real-time and reliable communications in the context of cyber-physical systems (CPS). The evaluation analysis of IEEE 802.15.4 for CPS therein will give insights into configuration and optimization of critical design parameters of MAC protocols. In addition, this book also presents the design and evaluation of an adaptive MAC protocol for medical CPS, which exemplifies how to facilitate real-time and reliable communications in CPS by exploiting IEEE 802.15.4 based MAC protocols. This book will be of interest to researchers, practitioners, and students to better understand the QoS requirements of CPS, especially for healthcare applications.