Analysis of IEEE 802.15.4 Throughput in Beaconless Mode on micaZ under TinyOS 2

Abstract

Study and evaluation of wireless sensor networks (WSN) require modeling of different elements and settling performance boundaries. Available IEEE 802.15.4 models make their own assumptions of the standard within a given scenario. Such assumptions (and interpretations) do not really match the performance of real equipment (motes) sometimes. Here we propose a model based on one of the most utilized WSN platforms: micaZ. Its operation and timings are described as well so that they can be used for posterior modeling if other scenarios need to be studied. The throughput upper bound of peer-to-peer micaZ-TinyOS links is provided based both on our model and real measurements for the full payload range. The proposed model is compared to both real measurements and a model based on the standard. Results show our model to be accurate and better matching reality for any payload.