MAC protocols for ultra-wideband ad hoc and sensor networking: A survey

Abstract

Ultra-wideband (UWB) transmission is an emerging wireless communication technology that is gaining significant interest for future broadband wireless access. This transmission technique based mainly on the Impulse-Radio (IR) paradigm, has the potential to deliver high-speed wireless connectivity at low power and low proximity, characteristics that makes it an ideal choice for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The distinct physical layer properties call, however, for innovative solutions at the medium access control (MAC) layer. Various MAC protocols with different objectives were proposed for these pulse-based networks. In this article, we first outline the issues related to MAC layer design relying on an IR-UWB physical layer. Then, we describe several MAC protocols emphasizing their strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we identify the cross-layer dependencies between the specified physical and the higher layers of the communication stack and investigate open research issues.

Meta-survey on medium access control surveys in wireless sensor networks

“…Fifth, certain studies have explored solutions where designers have resorted to unconventional methodologies and techniques to help meet bandwidth-hungry applications’ demands. Eccentric techniques such as Cooperative Diversity and IR-UWB reviewed in Khan and Karl 107 and Karapistoli et al 114 are in formative phase and an open area of research with respect to the provision of delay bounds. Similarly, few mobility-aware solutions have been proposed with their pros and cons in Dong and Dargie, 120 which is another open area for more solutions.…”

“…Karapistoli et al 114 present an overview of WSN MAC protocols meant for impulse radio-ultra wideband (IR-UWB)-an emerging physical layer technology for potential in bandwidth-hungry applications in wireless communications. Since conventional WSN MACs, which are meant for narrow band communications, are inadequate for UWB-based communication, there is a need for specialized MAC solutions for UWB.…”

An Overview of UWB Standards and Organizations (IEEE 802.15.4, FiRa, Apple): Interoperability Aspects and Future Research Directions

“…The authors of [9] give an overview of the IEEE 802. 15.4z standard by looking into the changes that have been made to improve upon limitations of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. The paper describes the improved ranging, improved timestamp robustness, improved security and reduced on-air transmission in more detail in a technical way, while also providing examples of how these features can be used.…”

“…The paper concludes that these are unsuitable for UWB systems and that further research was necessary to develop suitable MAC protocols for UWB systems. Similarly, [15] outlines the issues related to MAC layer design for…”

An Ultra Wideband Survey: Global Regulations and Impulse Radio Research Based on Standards

“…First, UWB channel and propagation issues which have been quite thoroughly covered in the recent years, e.g., in [27] and [29], thus their reference lists offer a number of indepth articles to the interested reader. Second, MAC related studies are not discussed as it is an extensively wide topic area on its own having resulted in several recent detailed articles, e.g., [30] - [32]. To summarize, the main contributions of this article are:…”