Wireless sensor networks: from the laboratory to the field
Paul G. Flikkema, Brent W. West · 2002
This paper reviews the motivation for, and the design of, an environmental monitoring system based on a network of wirelessly-linked multi-parameter sensors. This approach enables access to more comprehensive data sets in a more timely fashion and with much less effort than is currently required. The design features the tight integration of existing, low-cost sensing, computation, and wireless communication hardware technologies with energy-aware processing and networking software, and can address immediate environmental monitoring needs. While our short-term focus is on environmental monitoring for microclimate field studies, the technology is also appropriate for a number of related applications, including ecosystem management, control of high-performance buildings, hazard/emergency warning systems, and security monitoring. 1.