INTRODUCTION WSNs are collections of compact-size, relatively inexpensive computational nodes that measure local environmental conditions or other parameters and forward such information to a central point for appropriate processing . WSNs nodes (WNs) can sense the environment, can communicate with neighboring nodes, and can, in many cases, perform basic computations on the data being collected. ABS/WSN2018191 3
(commercial) sensor networks and systems into two basic categories: Category 1 WSNs (C1WSNs): almost invariably mesh-based systems with multihop radio connectivity among or between WNs, utilizing dynamic routing in both the wireless and wireline portions of the network. Military systems typically belong to this category. Category 2 WSNs (C2WSNs): point-to-point or multipoint-to-point ( star based ) systems generally with single-hop radio connectivity to WNs, ABS/WSN2018191 4
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There has been extensive academic research on WSNs over the recent past, as we noted in Chapter 1 ABS/WSN2018191 8
RANGE OF APPLICATIONS As noted, WSNs support a broad spectrum of applications, ranging from environmental sensing to vehicle tracking, from perimeter security to inventory management, and from habitat monitoring to battlefield management (see Table 2.1) For example, WSNs may be deployed outdoors in large sensor fields to detect and control the spread of wild fires, to detect and track enemy vehicles, or to support environmental monitoring, including precision agriculture ABS/WSN2018191 9
The range of potential applications is really limited only by the imagination tracking wild fires microclimate assessment monitoring animal populations defense systems enabling businesses to monitor and control workspaces allowing authorities to monitor for toxic chemicals ABS/WSN2018191 10
With WSNs one can monitor and control factories, offices, homes, vehicles, cities, the ambiance, and the environment . For example, one can detect structural faults (e.g., fatigue-induced cracks) in ships, aircraft, and buildings; public-assembly locations can be equipped to detect toxins and to trace the source of the contamination. ABS/WSN2018191 11
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EXAMPLES OF CATEGORY 2 WSN APPLICATIONS These applications tend to use point-to-point (sometimes star-based) topologies, generally with single-hop radio connectivity utilizing static routing . C2WSN technology is being targeted for a gamut of building automation, industrial, medical, residential control, and monitoring applications . Many of these applications are being contemplated in the context of the IEEE 802.15.4 ( ZigBee ) standard solution. ABS/WSN2018191 18
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EXAMPLES OF CATEGORY 1 WSN APPLICATIONS Some examples of WSN applications are [2.6]: Military sensor networks to detect and gain as much information as possible about enemy movements, explosions, and other phenomena of interest Law enforcement and national security applications for inimical agent tracking or nefarious substance monitoring (e.g., see Figure 2.9) ABS/WSN2018191 25
Wireless traffic sensor networks to monitor vehicle traffic on highways or in congested parts of a city Wireless surveillance sensor networks for providing security in shopping malls, parking garages, and other facilities Wireless parking lot sensor networks to determine which spots are occupied and which are free Borders monitoring with sensors and satellite uplinks ABS/WSN2018191 26
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Civil and Environmental Engineering Applications Sensors can be used for civil engineering applications. Research has been under way in recent years to develop sensor technology that is applicable for buildings, bridges, and other structures. The goal is to develop ‘‘smart structures’’ that are able to self-diagnose potential problems and self-prioritize requisite repairs [2.47]. This technology is attractive for earthquake-active zones. ABS/WSN2018191 29
Wildfire Instrumentation Collecting real-time data from wildfires is important for life safety considerations and allows predictive analysis of evolving fire behavior. One way to collect such data is to deploy sensors in the wildfire environment . FireBugs are small wireless sensors (motes) based on TinyOS that self-organize into networks for collecting real-time data in wildfire environments [2.48]. ABS/WSN2018191 30
CONCLUSION In this chapter we provided a sample of possible WSN applications. The reader should be able to envision dozens of other potential applications, as they appear to be almost unlimited. Basically, wherever one wants to instrument, observe, and react to events and phenomena in a specified environment, one can use WSNs; the environment can be the physical world, a biological system, or an IT framework. ABS/WSN2018191 31