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Worst-case Dimensioning of Cluster-Tree Sensor Networks with Mobile Sink Behaviour
Ref: HURRAY-TR-080401       Publication Date: 9, Apr, 2008

Abstract:
Modelling the fundamental performance limits of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is of paramount importance to understand the behaviour of WSN under worst case conditions and to make the appropriate design choices. In that direction, this paper contributes with a methodology for modelling cluster tree WSNs with a mobile sink. We propose closed form recurrent expressions for computing the worst case end to end delays, buffering and bandwidth requirements across any source-destination path in the cluster tree. We show how to apply our theoretical results to the specific case of IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee WSNs. Finally, we demonstrate the validity and analyse the accuracy of our methodology through a comprehensive experimental study using commercial technology, therefore validating the theoretical results through experimentation.

Mário Alves