Abstract— In recent years, machine-to-machine (M2M)
networks, which do not require direct human intervention, is
increasing at a rapid pace. Meanwhile, the need of a wireless
platform with a vast coverage and low network deployment cost
for controlling and monitoring these M2M networks has not yet
been met. Mobile cellular networks (MCNs) and wireless sensor
networks (WSNs) are emerging as two heterogeneous networks
that can meet the challenges of M2M communication through
network convergence. In this paper, we propose a model for
network convergence between a Long Term Evolution-Advance
(LTE-A) cellular network and a wireless sensor network. Quality
of service (QoS) issues are assessed by a comparative study of the
network delay in tight coupling and loose coupling LTE-A
configurations. Simulation results indicate that the network delay
in our proposed converged network is acceptable for various
M2M applications.
Keywords-network convergenge, LTE-A, wireless sensor
networks, M2M network, machine-to-machine networks.