Sensor networks: An overview

Abstract

In this chapter, we provided a brief introduction to wireless sensor networks as an enabling technology for distributed sensing, computing and data gathering. Perhaps the most striking observation to make is that the design of system architecture, algorithms and protocols is imminently application-driven and therefore general remarks on the nature of sensor networks and their fundamental mechanisms are necessarily limited in scope. The same observation applies to basic models, data gathering strategies, learning and inference algorithms and security considerations. If there is one common characteristic among many different classes of sensor networks, it is the central concern with low energy consumption and the consequent need for power-aware algorithms and protocols. In many cases, data-centric design and full use of the potential for cooperation between sensor nodes is key towards achieving this goal. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.