A TDMA-MAC Protocol for a Seismic Telemetry-Network with Energy Constraints

Abstract

The requirements for a seismic telemetry-network are even more stringent than the well known problems of sensor networks. Existing medium access control (MAC) protocols suggest reducing energy consuming network activity by reducing costly transmissions and idle listening. Furthermore, it is required to set up communication patterns in different priority levels as well as ensuring fast handling of critical events. A protocol is proposed that operates with two parallel sets of time schedules in a time-division-multiple-access (TDMA) sense of periodic activity for listening and for transmitting. Synchronization packets sent from a central base station ensure optimal response times.