Unit – IV

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs)

Introduction

Imagine a network of tiny, intelligent devices scattered across an environment, silently

collecting data and relaying it wirelessly. This is the essence of a Wireless Sensor Network
(WSN). These networks consist of numerous sensor nodes, each equipped with sensors to
gather data (temperature, pressure, sound, etc.), a microcontroller for processing information,
and a transceiver for wireless communication.

Applications of WSNs

The possibilities with WSNs are vast. Here are some prominent examples:

 Environmental Monitoring: WSNs can be deployed in forests, oceans, or even

volcanoes to monitor critical environmental parameters like temperature, humidity,
and pollution levels. This data is crucial for understanding climate change, predicting
natural disasters, and ensuring ecological balance.

 Precision Agriculture: Farmers can leverage WSNs to monitor soil moisture,

nutrients, and crop health. This data-driven approach allows for targeted irrigation,
fertilizer application, and pest control, optimizing resource use and maximizing yield.

 Structural Health Monitoring: WSNs can be embedded in bridges, buildings, and

other critical infrastructure to detect structural strains, vibrations, and potential safety
hazards. Early detection of anomalies can prevent catastrophic failures and ensure
public safety.

 Industrial Process Control: In factories and industrial settings, WSNs can monitor
production lines, track machine performance, and identify potential equipment
failures. This real-time data facilitates preventive maintenance and optimizes
production efficiency.

 Smart Cities: WSNs can be integrated into city infrastructure to manage traffic flow,
optimize energy consumption in buildings, and monitor environmental conditions.
This data can be used to create smarter, more sustainable urban environments.

Comparison with Ad Hoc Sensor Networks (ASNs)

While both WSNs and ASNs are wireless and self-organizing, there are key distinctions:

 Network Purpose: WSNs are primarily focused on environmental data collection and
monitoring. ASNs, on the other hand, can serve various purposes like data sharing,
communication relaying, and collaborative tasks. Think of WSNs as dedicated data
collectors, while ASNs are more flexible platforms for diverse applications.
 Network Lifetime: WSNs are often deployed in remote areas with limited access to
power. Therefore, energy efficiency is paramount. Sensor nodes are designed for low
power consumption and extended operation. ASNs may have varying energy
constraints depending on the application.

 Node Functionality: Sensor nodes in WSNs are typically simpler and less powerful
compared to ASNs. They prioritize sensing and transmitting data with minimal
processing capabilities. Nodes in ASNs may have more diverse functionalities such as
advanced routing protocols and higher processing power to support complex network
tasks.

Feature Wireless Sensor Network Ad hoc Network

Number of sensor
Large in quantity Medium in quantity
nodes or motes

Deployment type Very much dense Scattered

Rate of failure More Very rare

Change in network
frequency rare
topology

Communication
Broadcast point to point
mode

Not replaceable /
Battery Replaceable
Not rechargeable

Identifiers (IDs)
No unique IDs Unique IDs
used in the network

Centric mode based on data based on address

Fusion/Aggregation Possible Not suitable

Computational
capacities &
Limited Not limited
memory
requirement
 Data rate support
Lower Higher
provided

Redundancy High Low

Losses and Challenges in Designing Sensor Networks

Designing efficient WSNs presents a unique set of challenges:

 Limited Power: Sensor nodes typically rely on batteries, making energy conservation
critical. Minimizing communication overhead, employing low-power communication
protocols, and utilizing techniques like data aggregation (combining data from
multiple nodes before transmission) are crucial for extending network lifetime.

 Limited Processing and Storage: Sensor nodes have limited processing power and
storage capacity. This restricts complex data processing on the nodes themselves.
Designing algorithms that are efficient with minimal processing and utilizing data
compression techniques to minimize storage requirements are essential
considerations.

 Scalability: WSNs can be deployed with hundreds or even thousands of nodes.

Designing routing protocols that can handle large networks and adapt to dynamic
changes (node failures, new node additions) is a crucial challenge. Scalable routing
protocols ensure efficient data delivery across the network.

 Security: WSNs can be vulnerable to various security threats. Data eavesdropping,

where unauthorized entities intercept data transmissions, is a concern. Node
compromise, where an attacker gains control of a sensor node, can disrupt network
operations. Denial-of-service attacks can overwhelm the network with traffic,
preventing legitimate data collection. Implementing robust security mechanisms like
encryption and authentication protocols is essential to safeguard the network.

 Environmental Factors: Sensor nodes may be deployed in harsh environments with

extreme temperatures, humidity, or vibration. These factors can impact the
performance and lifetime of the nodes. Selecting hardware components that can
withstand these conditions and designing protocols that are resilient to environmental
variations are important considerations.

Further Exploration:

This lecture provides a foundational understanding of WSNs. Here are some potential areas
for further exploration:

 Case Studies and Applications: Delve into specific successful applications of

WSNs, showcasing their real-world impact.
  Routing Protocols: Explore various routing protocols designed for WSNs,
highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in different scenarios.

 Localization Techniques: Understand how sensor nodes can determine their location
within the network, crucial for data interpretation.

 Data Management and Analysis: Explore techniques for efficiently managing and
analyzing the vast amount of data collected by WSNs.

Sensor network architecture refers to the overall structure and organization of a Wireless
Sensor Network (WSN). It defines how the sensor nodes interact with each other and how
data flows through the network. Here's a quick breakdown:

Basic Building Blocks:

 Sensor Nodes: Tiny devices with sensors to collect data (temperature, pressure, etc.),
a microcontroller for processing, and a transceiver for wireless communication.

 Base Station: A central hub that collects data from the sensor nodes and relays it to a
final destination (computer, server).

Two Main Architectures:

1. Layered Network Architecture:

o Suitable for smaller networks (few hundred nodes).

o Nodes are organized in layers, with the base station at the top.

o Data is sent hop-by-hop from lower layers to the base station.

o Uses a combination of standard network layers (physical, data link, etc.) and
additional management planes (power management, mobility management).

2. Clustered Architecture:

o More efficient for larger networks (thousands of nodes).

o Nodes are grouped into clusters, each with a cluster head.

o Sensor nodes send data to their cluster head, which aggregates and forwards it
to the base station.

o Reduces communication overhead as fewer messages travel long distances.

o LEACH (Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy) is a popular clustered

routing protocol.
Key Considerations:

 Energy Efficiency: Since sensor nodes are often battery-powered, minimizing

communication and processing is crucial.

 Scalability: The architecture should be adaptable to handle a varying number of

nodes.

 Data Aggregation: Combining data from multiple nodes before transmission saves
energy.

 Security: Protecting data from unauthorized access is essential.

This is a simplified explanation. The specific architecture chosen depends on the application
and network requirements.

Layered Network Architecture in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs)

The layered network architecture is a fundamental approach for structuring Wireless Sensor
Networks (WSNs), particularly for smaller networks with a few hundred nodes. It follows a
similar concept to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model used in traditional
computer networks, but with adaptations specific to the constraints and functionalities of
sensor nodes.

Breakdown of Layers:

The layered architecture can be visualized as a stack, with each layer responsible for specific
tasks and interacting with the layer above and below it. Here's a breakdown of the typical
layers involved:
 1. Physical Layer:

o Deals with the raw transmission and reception of data bits over the physical
communication channel (radio waves in WSNs).

o Handles tasks like signal modulation, demodulation, and managing the

transmission power.

2. Data Link Layer:

o Responsible for reliable data transfer between neighboring sensor nodes.

o Performs tasks like error detection and correction, medium access control
(preventing collisions during transmission), and addressing individual nodes
within the network.

3. Network Layer:

o Focuses on routing data packets across the network towards the base station.

o Employs routing protocols to determine the most efficient path for data
delivery, considering factors like distance, energy consumption, and network
congestion.

4. Transport Layer:

o Ensures reliable data delivery between source and destination nodes,

potentially across multiple hops.

o May implement mechanisms like flow control to regulate data transmission

rate and avoid overwhelming the network. (Note: This layer might be omitted
in some WSN architectures due to limited processing power on sensor nodes)

5. Application Layer:

o Provides the interface for user applications to interact with the sensor network.

o Defines the format and interpretation of the sensor data collected by the nodes.

o May involve functionalities like data filtering, aggregation (combining data

from multiple nodes), and triggering actions based on specific sensor readings.

Advantages of Layered Architecture:

 Modular Design: Each layer performs a specific function, making the overall
architecture easier to understand, develop, and maintain.
  Standardization: Standardized protocols can be used within each layer, facilitating
interoperability with different sensor nodes and devices.

 Flexibility: New functionalities can be added by modifying specific layers without

affecting the entire architecture.

Limitations of Layered Architecture:

 Complexity: Implementing all layers can be resource-intensive for sensor nodes with
limited processing power and memory.

 Overhead: Processing data at each layer can introduce delays and consume additional
energy.

Conclusion:

The layered network architecture offers a structured approach for building WSNs. While it
may not be suitable for extremely large networks due to resource limitations, it provides a
solid foundation for smaller deployments and serves as a valuable concept for understanding
how data flows within a WSN.

Clustered Network Architecture in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs)

The clustered network architecture is an efficient approach for managing large-scale Wireless
Sensor Networks (WSNs) with thousands of nodes. It overcomes the limitations of layered
architectures by introducing a hierarchical structure that distributes tasks and reduces
communication overhead.

Core Concept:
  Sensor nodes are organized into clusters, each with a designated cluster head.

 Regular sensor nodes, also called member nodes, collect data and transmit it to their
respective cluster head.

 Cluster heads aggregate data from member nodes, potentially performing calculations
or filtering operations, and then forward the processed data to the base station.

Benefits of Clustered Architecture:

 Scalability: The architecture efficiently scales to accommodate a large number of

nodes by distributing the workload among cluster heads.

 Reduced Communication Overhead: By aggregating data at the cluster head level,

fewer messages need to travel long distances to the base station, conserving energy.

 Enhanced Reliability: If a cluster head fails, only that cluster is affected. The
network can be designed to elect a new cluster head within the affected cluster,
minimizing overall disruption.

 Hierarchical Management: Cluster heads can perform additional tasks like local
data processing, reducing the burden on the base station.

Popular Clustered Routing Protocol: LEACH (Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering

Hierarchy)

LEACH is a widely used protocol for clustered WSNs. Here's a simplified overview:

1. Cluster Formation: Nodes periodically volunteer or are selected to become cluster

heads based on factors like residual energy.

2. Advertisement Phase: Cluster heads broadcast an advertisement message, notifying

member nodes of their cluster formation.

3. Cluster Joining: Member nodes select the nearest cluster head and transmit a join
message.

4. Data Transmission: Member nodes transmit their data to their cluster head during
designated time slots.

5. Data Aggregation and Forwarding: The cluster head aggregates data (e.g.,
averaging temperature readings) and forwards it to the base station.

Additional Considerations in Clustered Architectures:

 Cluster Head Election: Efficient algorithms are crucial to ensure fair distribution of
energy consumption and avoid overloading specific nodes.
  Data Aggregation: Techniques like averaging, maximum/minimum selection, or
more complex calculations can be employed at the cluster head level to reduce data
volume.

 Cluster Maintenance: Mechanisms are needed to handle cluster head failures and re-
election of new cluster heads to maintain network stability.

Conclusion:

The clustered network architecture offers a scalable and energy-efficient solution for large-
scale WSN deployments. By leveraging cluster heads for data aggregation and forwarding, it
optimizes network performance and extends the overall lifetime of the sensor network.

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have a vast array of applications across various industries
and domains. Here are some prominent examples that showcase the versatility of WSNs:

Environmental Monitoring:

 Precision Agriculture: WSNs can be deployed in fields to monitor soil moisture,

temperature, nutrient levels, and even crop health. This data empowers farmers to
optimize irrigation, fertilizer application, and pest control, leading to increased yields
and resource conservation.

 Forest Fire Detection: Sensor nodes equipped with temperature and smoke sensors
can be strategically placed in forests. Real-time monitoring allows for early detection
of wildfires, enabling faster response times and minimizing potential damage.

 Air Quality Monitoring: WSNs can be used in urban areas to track air pollutants like
ozone, particulates, and carbon monoxide. This data provides valuable insights into
air quality trends and can be used to formulate pollution control strategies.

 Water Quality Monitoring: Sensor networks can be deployed in rivers, lakes, and
oceans to monitor water quality parameters like pH, turbidity, and contaminant levels.
This data is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water supplies and protecting aquatic
ecosystems.

Infrastructure Monitoring:

 Structural Health Monitoring: WSNs can be embedded in bridges, buildings, and

other critical infrastructure to detect structural strains, vibrations, and potential safety
hazards. Early detection of anomalies allows for preventive maintenance and ensures
public safety.

 Industrial Process Control: In factories and industrial settings, WSNs can monitor
production lines, track machine performance, and identify potential equipment
failures. This real-time data facilitates preventive maintenance and optimizes
production efficiency.
  Smart Cities: WSNs can be integrated into city infrastructure to manage traffic flow,
optimize energy consumption in buildings, and monitor environmental conditions.
This data can be used to create smarter, more sustainable urban environments.

Other Applications:

 Healthcare: WSNs can be used to monitor patients remotely, track vital signs, and
even detect falls. This technology can improve patient care and early intervention for
potential health issues.

 Inventory Management: WSNs can be used to track the location and status of
inventory items in warehouses or retail stores. This data can optimize logistics and
prevent stockouts.

 Habitat Monitoring: Sensor networks can be deployed in wildlife habitats to track

animal populations, monitor environmental changes, and gain valuable insights into
ecological behavior.

These are just a few examples, and the potential applications of WSNs are constantly
expanding as the technology evolves. As sensor nodes become more sophisticated and
miniaturized, WSNs are poised to play an increasingly important role in various fields,
transforming the way we collect data, monitor our environment, and manage critical
infrastructure.