An Improved LQI- based Link Quality Estimation Mechanism for Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract—An accurate and efficient link quality estimation method is crucial for the performance of the upper layer routing protocol, flow distribution and topology control algorithms in WSNs (Wireless Sensor Networks). Based on the analysis of the cause for packet loss and bit error, an improved LQI (Link Quality Indicator)-based link quality estimation mechanism called imLQI is introduced, which takes into account the LQI values of the unsuccessfully received packets when calculates the average LQI values. The accuracy and efficiency of imLQI has been proved by diverse experiments running on real testbed. On the basic of the mechanism, this paper also develops an LQI-based link quality estimation model, and multiple measurements have been executed to validate the correctness of this model. Keywords-wireless sensor networks; link quality estimation; link quality indicator; link quality measurements I