Wireless Sensor Network: At a Glance

Abstract

Wireless Sensor Network is a technology which has capability to change many of the Information Communication aspects in the upcoming era. From the last decade Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is gaining magnetic attention by the researchers, academician, industry, military and other ones due to large scope of research, technical growth and nature of applications etc. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) employ a large number of miniature disposable autonomous devices known as sensor nodes to form the network without the aid of any established infrastructure. In a Wireless Sensor Network, the individual nodes are capable of sensing the environments, processing the information locally, or sending it to one or more collection points through a wireless link. Day to day applications of WSNs is increasing from domestic use to military use and from ground to space. The objective of this book chapter is to explore all aspects of WSNs under different modules including these as well in a systematic flow: Sensor nodes, Existing hardware, Sensor node’s operating systems, node deployment options, topologies used for WSN, architectures, WSN lifecycle, Resource constraint nature, Applications, Existing experimental tools, Usability & reliability of experimental tools, Routing challenges and Protocol design issues, Major existing protocols, Protocol classifications, Protocols evaluation factors, Theoretical aspects of major Energy Efficient protocols, Security issues, etc. This chapter contains from very basic to high level technical issues obtained from highly cited research contribution in a concluding manner but presenting whole aspects related to this field.