convergecast

We focus on the problem of energy-efficient convergecast in sensor networks. This problem identifies the energy-latency tradeoff during convergecast. We show how time division multiple access (TDMA) can be effectively used to provide energy-efficient convergecast. This solution allows the sensors to save energy when the network is idle and to switch to active mode when the network observes an event.

We present TDMA algorithms customized for different communication patterns, namely, broadcast,convergecast and local gossip, that occur commonly in sensor networks.