Wireless Sensor Network Applications

Abstract

This paper discusses applications of wireless sensor networks along with the challenges of integrating real-time sensor data with traditional IT environments. Two widely different sensor network applications are discussed: emergency medical services and supply chain management, along with the challenges of integrating sensor technology into current IT environments. Technical challenges center on the development of the sensors and sensor network infrastructure and include the need to comply with emerging application program interfaces (APIs) for grid/web services. Process-driven challenges, which center on the development and adoption of new business models and new applications, are the actual drivers for this technology. Both of these applications acknowledge the nearly limitless potential of sensing and connecting our physical world with wireless sensors1 and help illustrate the difficulties of integrating sensor data into current IT infrastructure.