Energy Efficient Distance-Aware Adaptive Slot Allotment Hybrid MAC Protocol for Dense Wireless Sensor Network

Energy-efficient reliable data transmission is a primary challenge for dense wireless sensor networks (WSNs), where high node density and diverse traffic patterns increase contention and energy overhead. In this work, we propose an energy-efficient distance-aware adaptive slot allotment hybrid MAC (EEDA-HMAC) protocol that integrates distance-aware power control with a bit-mapping allocation (BMA) scheme. The protocol dynamically selects between static and dynamic BMA based on node distance, traffic type (continuous or event-driven), and urgency of data transmission, including emergency scenarios. By minimizing contention and adapting slot allocation to real-time network conditions, EEDA-HMAC reduces unnecessary retransmissions and energy waste while ensuring timely delivery of critical data. Simulation results demonstrate that EEDA-HMAC achieves up to 9.3% improvement in energy efficiency, 6.7% reduction in latency, and 11.2% higher packet delivery ratio compared to benchmark hybrid MAC protocols under varying density and traffic conditions. These results confirm the protocol’s effectiveness as a robust solution for sustainable and reliable communication in dense WSNs.