Choosing from the numerous existing sensor technologies to build the networks we have in mind can be quite a daunting task. In this section, we will show you how to use patterns and information from different technologies to better select which ones to use, as well as how to create more effective deployments as part of the networks that you create.
Classes of sensor networks
With the continued development of WSNs, a variety of solutions have been tailored to a variety of applications. This creates many types of network designs, where there are protocols for different layers that are put in place as part of the network. Here, we’ll discuss some of the main differences between various WSNs.
Data sink
One of the defining characteristics of a sensor network is how the data sink is provisioned. A data sink is a device that has the responsibility of collecting and storing the data generated by sensor nodes within a network. It is normally connected to sensor nodes through a wireless communication link and serves as a central repository for all the data collected by the sensor nodes. A data sink is also often used to perform data aggregation and processing tasks and may also have the responsibility of forwarding the data to other networks or systems for further storage or analysis.
In some WSNs, the type of data sink that’s used can further be classified into two categories: fixed and mobile. Fixed data sinks are fixed devices that are located at a central location, such as a base station or gateway. Mobile WSNs, on the other hand, have the data sink based on a mobile device that may be carried by a user or vehicle. The type of data sink matters in terms of how data is collected as dispersed data storage being used as a methodology for storing data would be more effective in the latter’s case.
Mobile sensors
Sensor networks may be further classified to be based on the nature of the sensor that is currently being used. Although sensors are usually stationary, some sensors have been known to also be mobile. Some examples of this include military applications such as when sensors are placed on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to communicate with an organized sensor network. Due to this, the sensors can manipulate protocols within the networking layer and do so to localize services for the use of mobility.
