Kosunalp S.Chu Y.Mitchell P.D.Grace D.Clarke T.20.04.20192019-04-2020.04.20192019-04-2020160952-1976https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.engappai.2016.06.012https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12403/587This paper studies the potential of a novel approach to ensure more efficient and intelligent assignment of capacity through medium access control (MAC) in practical wireless sensor networks. Q-Learning is employed as an intelligent transmission strategy. We review the existing MAC protocols in the context of Q-learning. A recently-proposed, ALOHA and Q-Learning based MAC scheme, ALOHA-Q, is considered which improves the channel performance significantly with a key benefit of simplicity. Practical implementation issues of ALOHA-Q are studied. We demonstrate the performance of the ALOHA-Q through extensive simulations and evaluations in various testbeds. A new exploration/exploitation method is proposed to strengthen the merits of the ALOHA-Q against dynamic the channel and environment conditions. © 2016 Elsevier Ltdeninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessALOHAMedium access controlQ-LearningWireless sensor networksAccess controlWireless sensor networksALOHAEnvironment conditionsExploration/exploitationExtensive simulationsMedium access control(MAC)Q-learningQ-learning approachTransmission strategiesMedium access controlALOHAMedium access controlQ-LearningWireless sensor networksAccess controlWireless sensor networksALOHAEnvironment conditionsExploration/exploitationExtensive simulationsMedium access control(MAC)Q-learningQ-learning approachTransmission strategiesMedium access controlArticle5514615410.1016/j.engappai.2016.06.0122-s2.0-84977137236Q1WOS:000383811200013Q1