Abstract: In this paper the characteristics of various multichannel MAC protocols are analyzed, with a focus on the disappearing node and collision problems in parallel rendezvous MAC protocols. A new multichannel MAC protocol, Lowpower Parallel Rendezvous Medium Access Control (LPRMAC) protocol, is proposed. The power efficiency issues in wireless sensor networks are also considered in this protocol. With this protocol, time is divided into time slots with global time synchronization, and each node randomly selects one slot as its fixed receiving slot at the period of the network established, the node listens to the channel and receives incoming packets at the receiving slot. The nodes hop according to a pseudorandom hopping sequence of their choice among the available channels and parallel rendezvous, and switch to the low power sleep mode outside of their time slots. Simulation results show that this protocol can decrease the extent collision while consuming less energy per packet.

Key words: wireless sensor network, multichannel, MAC, lowpower