Wireless Sensor Networks: Basic Concepts

Authors

Abstract

Recent advances in wireless communications and electronics devices have enabled the development of low-cost sensor networks. The sensor networks can be used for several applications. Their main advantage is the ability to be deployed in almost anywhere, where it might not be possible to use traditional networks. In this paper we present the fundamental aspects of wireless sensor networks. First, we outline the main characteristics and specific design challenges of these networks. Then, we present the basic issues concerning both physical and data link layers. Afterwards, we summarize some of the routing challenges and present a classification of existing routing protocols. This paper concludes outlining the differences in QoS metrics and security issues when comparing to traditional networks.

Keywords

Networking, Cummunication networks, Wireless Sensor Networks.

Subject

Wireless Sensor Networks

Book Chapter

Encyclopedia of Networked and Virtual Organizations, Idea Group, January 2008