On the importance of link characterization for aerial wireless sensor networks

Abstract

Characterization of communication links in aerial wireless sensor networks (AWSNs) is of paramount importance for achieving acceptable network performance. Protocols based on an inaccurate communication model may exhibit inconsistent behavior due to link degradation not considered during the design stage. It is thus necessary to account for factors that affect link performance in real deployments. This article details observations from experimental research in the existing literature to characterize the behavior of communication links in AWSNs. The contributions of this article are two-fold. First, we consider research carried out on low-power low-data rate Zigbee-compliant radios and observe common denominator characteristics such as environmental factors, antenna orientation, and the multi-path fading effect due to ground reflections as major contributors to link degradation in AWSNs. We analyze these common denominator characteristics and perform an experimental assessment of their relative importance. Second, based on these observations, we recommend measures that can help alleviate the effect of these potential sources of performance degradation in AWSNs in order to achieve significantly improved network performance.