Link Layer Models for Wireless Sensor Networks

This document is a tutorial version of [1], its main purpose is to provide enough information and tools to generate link layer models for wireless sensor networks (WSN), namely the packet reception rate (PRR) as a function of distance. It also provides a basic understanding of simple concepts in wireless communication (used in the model) for people who does not feel comfortable with the physical layer. It is recommended that you read [1] to gain a deeper understanding of the wireless link behavior in low power wireless devices. The document is divided in three sections. Section I provides a basic understanding of the channel and radio models used to generate the link layer abstraction (PRR vs distance). Section II provides a systematic way to obtain the link layer model for different environments and radio characteristics, it also provides instructions to use the software tools. Finally, section III enumerates the limitations of the model generator. Please make sure you read this document completely before using the software tools. IMPORTANT if you do not understand something, specially the first section, just move on, hopefully it will be clear at the end :).