Cooperative modulation techniques for long haul relay in sensor networks

Cooperative modulation techniques can reduce the energy requirements for the long haul transmission of data from localized sensor networks. This saving is vital in extending the battery life of power limited sensor nodes communicating over a time-limited channel. Several transmission methods, including a novel scheme that conveys information via node selection, are analyzed. The energy cost in local communications needed to support the cooperative long haul link is determined and used to make comparisons between the techniques.