Method for optimizing the transfer data rate in a sensor network in partial network operation in an ethernet network

A method for optimizing the transmission data rate in a sensor network in partial networking in an Ethernet network, wherein the method comprises:

• a) determining a number of active nodes, by a head node;
• b) classifying, by the head node, nodes identified in the Ethernet network into two or more classifications of nodes in order to prioritize the Ethernet network communication;
• c) receiving, by the head node, reservation requests from at least some of the identified nodes;
• d) allocating time slots, in response to reservation requests, to one or more nodes in an upcoming communication window, the allocated time slots being based on a priority of the nodes and the priority being allocated to the nodes in accordance with a classification of the nodes;
• e) after determining the number of active nodes, calculating a bus cycle length and determining a number of sleeping, inactive, or defective nodes, wherein a beacon bus cycle is determined in terms of how much the bus cycle length is able to be shortened based on the determined number of sleeping, inactive, or defective nodes.