Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) detect and respond to sound, vibration, and other environmental factors. They can be used for security, medical, and environmental research. WSNs can contain various types of sensors and can be implemented in various environments. Challenges include weather conditions, limited memory, and network overload. WSNs can be used to collect data on earthquakes, weather, and flooding.
A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a system of one or more sensors that detect, collect, and eventually respond to things like sound and vibration. These networks can be used for a variety of purposes, from security surveillance to medical or environmental research. Sometimes, a wireless sensor network is referred to as an intelligent environment. In order for network data to be collected and analyzed, the wireless sensor network is often connected to a data distribution network, in which case the WSN is effectively referred to as a data acquisition network.
A wireless sensor network configuration can contain one or more types of sensors. These sensors may be able to detect any of a variety of environmental factors. For example, there are mechanical sensors that respond to direct contact. Acoustic sensors collect auditory information while video sensors collect visual information. There are also thermal, chemical and biosensors.
There are several environments in which a wireless sensor network can be implemented. These include residential or industrial buildings as well as outdoor environments. Mobile monitoring of vehicles, including transport systems and ships, is also possible.
A wireless sensor network can be used for surveillance for building security or even on the battlefield. Such surveillance can report on traffic patterns and identify incursions before humans are able to see or hear them. In healthcare settings, miniature sensors can ease the burden on patients who previously would have been tethered to cumbersome wired devices. In both cases, data could be logged and analyzed, and alerts could be scheduled when certain conditions are met.
The challenges in building wireless sensor networks arise from a variety of factors. One problem has to do with weather conditions which can break the sensors or at least inhibit their accuracy. While the small size of the sensor is advantageous in terms of portability and secrecy, it also limits in terms of memory and durability. Another common challenge has arisen when too many sensors are assigned to a single data distribution network and overload the network with too much data at once.
Some WSNs only collect data in one form, such as audio only. If a system were to sense temperature, humidity and vibration, for example, a fairly rich picture of an environment could be obtained. Scientists and researchers are pushing the use of WSNs in this direction. WSNs that could be used to measure or predict earthquakes, forecast weather, or detect potential flooding are all highly sought after.
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