Performance evaluation of an IEEE 802.15.4 wireless sensor network on a coastal environment

Abstract

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have an enormous potential for investigating oceanographic problems such as the impact of industrial, touristic and commercial activities in coastal areas, among others. However, ocean waves, fog, humidity and mobility of nodes among others make difficult communication between nodes. This paper presents an on-site evaluation of the performance of an IEEE 802.15.4 WSN. In particular, the following four parameters were evaluated using different data transmission settings: received signal strength indication, throughput, round trip delay time and the rate of efficiency. Results shown that node communication between nodes on distances of up to 1.5 kilometers can be achieved but also that ocean waves did interfere with data transmission.