sensor network

A sensor network is a group of specialized transducers with a communications infrastructure intended to monitor and record conditions at diverse locations. Commonly monitored parameters are temperature, humidity, pressure, wind direction and speed, illumination intensity, vibration intensity, sound intensity, power-line voltage, chemical concentrations, pollutant levels and vital body functions.

A sensor network consists of multiple detection stations called sensor nodes, each of which is small, lightweight and portable. Every sensor node is equipped with a transducer, microcomputer, transceiver and power source. The transducer generates electrical signals based on sensed physical effects and phenomena. The microcomputer processes and stores the sensor output. The transceiver, which can be hard-wired or wireless, receives commands from a central computer and transmits data to that computer. The power for each sensor node is derived from the electric utility or from a battery.

Potential applications of sensor networks include:

• Industrial automation
• Automated and smart homes
• Video surveillance
• Traffic monitoring
• Medical device monitoring
• Monitoring of weather conditions
• Air traffic control
• Robot control.

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More resources from around the web: - Wayne W. Manges describes wireless sensor network topologies. - The Australian government uses sensor networks to enhance national security and help protect the environment. - Boston University hosts the Sensor Network Consortium.

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