Impact of CPU utilization on the performance of wireless sensor networks

Throughout this paper a method is described where simulations are used to analyze the impact of the code execution time on both energy consumption and network performance. For that purpose, a simulation framework based on OMNET++ has been developed to be able to simulate the behavior of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) on a detailed level. This framework allows the implementation of behavioral models for the used hardware components (CPU, Transceiver, etc). Integration of the embedded software stacks makes it possible to investigate the influence of software execution time onto the overall network behavior. The results obtained are used for the design of system concepts and for software stack optimization. An open architecture of the simulation framework allows an extension to consider other effects like mobility or channel characteristics.