Wireless Sensor Network (WSN): Architecture, Types, Applications, Pros & Cons

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been around for decades, and their importance has only grown over time. WSNs are used for monitoring, gathering and transmitting data from various sources, such as temperature, humidity, air quality and more. They are also used for controlling various appliances, such as lights, fans, and even home security systems. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring WSNs, from what they are to their various components and architectures, as well as their applications and challenges.

What is a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN)?

A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a network of small, low power and autonomous devices, also known as nodes, that are deployed in a given environment to measure and monitor various environmental parameters. These nodes are interconnected with each other and can communicate with each other either directly or indirectly. They are typically powered by batteries or other energy sources and can be used for a variety of applications, such as monitoring temperature, humidity, air quality, weather, and more.

The nodes of a WSN are typically equipped with sensors that measure various environmental parameters, such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, and more. The data collected by these sensors is then transmitted to a central node, known as a base station, which collects and processes the data. The base station can then transmit the data to a remote server, which can then be used for further analysis and processing.

Components of a WSN

A wireless sensor network consists of three main components: nodes, gateways, and a base station.

• The nodes, also known as sensor nodes, are small, low-power, autonomous devices that are deployed in the environment to measure and monitor various parameters. They are typically equipped with sensors, such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, and more, as well as a transmitter and receiver. The nodes communicate with each other through radio waves.
• The gateways are devices that are used to connect the nodes with the base station. They are typically used to extend the range of the nodes, as well as to provide additional processing power. The gateways also act as a bridge between the nodes and the base station, allowing the nodes to communicate with the base station.
• The base station is the central node in the WSN. It is responsible for collecting and processing the data from the nodes, as well as transmitting the data to a remote server. The base station is typically connected to the Internet, allowing the data to be transmitted to a remote server for further analysis and processing.

Wireless Sensor Network Architecture

The architecture of a WSN is typically divided into three layers: the physical layer, the data link layer, and the application layer.

• The physical layer is responsible for providing the nodes with a physical connection to the base station. It typically consists of radio waves, as well as other technologies such as infrared and Bluetooth.
• The data link layer is responsible for providing the nodes with a logical connection to the base station. It typically consists of protocols such as the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol.
• The application layer is responsible for providing the nodes with the ability to communicate with the base station. It typically consists of protocols such as the ZigBee protocol.

Types of WSN

Depending on the environment, there are five distinct types of Wireless Sensor Networks.

• Terrestrial Wireless Sensor Networks

Terrestrial  WSNs are employed to facilitate communication between base stations with great efficiency, and consist of thousands of wireless sensor nodes put in place either in an unstructured (ad hoc) or structured (Pre-planned) manner. The sensor nodes are scattered randomly throughout the designated area when they are released from a set plane in an ad hoc fashion.

The structured (Pre-planned) approach takes into account ideal positioning, grid location, and 2D, 3D positioning frameworks.

In this wireless sensor network (WSN), the battery power is very restricted; however, the battery is fitted with solar cells for a supplementary energy source. Energy efficiency of these WSNs is accomplished by employing low duty cycle operations, lowering any delays, and utilizing the most suitable routing, and many others.

• Underground Wireless Sensor Networks

The cost of establishing underground wireless sensor networks is higher than terrestrial WSNs due to the cost of equipment, installation, and upkeep. These networks are composed of several sensor nodes that are buried beneath the ground and keep track of underground conditions. For data transmission from the sensor nodes to the base station, additional sink nodes are put in place above the surface.

The battery power of the sensor nodes is constrained and it is hard to recharge them. Furthermore, the underground setting makes wireless communication hard to achieve due to the strong attenuation and signal-loss rate.

• Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks

Approximately 70% of the planet is covered by water, and this environment comprises numerous sensor nodes and vehicles. To acquire data from the sensors, autonomous underwater vehicles are employed. An issue with underwater communication is its slow transmission, as well as the bandwidth and sensor malfunctions.

When they are operating underwater, wireless sensor networks are fitted with a restricted power source that is not able to be recharged or replaced.

• Multimedia Wireless Sensor Networks

It has been suggested to use multimedia wireless sensor networks to be able to track and supervise events that can be described as multimedia, including video, audio, and images. These networks are constructed of low-cost nodes that have built-in microphones and cameras. These nodes are interconnected wirelessly so that data can be compressed, retrieved, and associated.

The problems associated with multimedia WSNs are heightened power usage, massive bandwidth requirements, data processing, and compressing processes. Furthermore, multimedia content necessitates a great deal of bandwidth in order for it to be transmitted properly and effortlessly.

• Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks 

Commonly known as MWSNs. A Mobile WSNs network contains a collection of sensor nodes that are able to move independently and interact with the surrounding environment. The mobile nodes are also equipped with the capacity to compute sense and communicate.

Mobile wireless sensor networks are far more flexible than those that are fixed in one spot. There are many advantages to using MWSNs instead of static wireless sensor networks, such as an enhanced coverage area, higher energy efficiency, and an increased channel capacity.

WSN Network Topologies

WSNs can be organized into different network topologies, depending on the application and the type of network. The most common types of network topologies are:

• Bus networks: Bus networks consist of multiple nodes that are connected to a single line. In this type of network, data is transmitted from one node to the next, following the path of the line.
• Star networks: Star networks consist of a single node, known as the master node, that is connected to multiple nodes. In this type of network, data is transmitted from the master node to the other nodes.
• Tree networks: Tree networks consist of multiple nodes that are organized into a tree structure. In this type of network, data is transmitted from one node to another along the branches of the tree.
• Mesh networks: Mesh networks consist of multiple nodes that are interconnected with each other. In this type of network, data is transmitted from one node to another until it reaches its destination.

Applications of WSN

WSNs have a wide range of applications:

• These networks can be utilized to monitor environmental conditions, like detecting forests, identifying animals, spotting flooding, forecasting, and predicting the weather. Additionally, they are also employed in commercial tasks such as predicting and monitoring seismic activity.
• Wireless sensor networks are commonly used for a variety of transport system applications including tracking traffic, dynamic routing control, and keeping an eye on parking areas, etc.
• Applications that are related to health, such as those which track and observe the activities of patients and medical professionals, make use of these networks.
• These networks are deployed in military applications such as tracking and environmental surveillance. Sensor nodes are dropped into the designated area and can be remotely operated by a user. They are also useful for tracking enemies and detecting security issues.
• These networks are utilized for quick emergency reactions, keeping track of industrial processes, automatically regulating the climate of a building, observing ecological systems and habitats, and observing the structural health of civil structures.
• The Wide Area Tracking System (WATS) is a prototype setup and a device designed to locate any ground-based nuclear weapon such as an atomic bomb. Furthermore, there are several other Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) that are implemented for the purpose of threat detection.

Benefits of WSN

WSNs are extremely beneficial for a variety of applications. 

• Low power and cost-effective, making them ideal for applications where power is limited and cost is a concern. 
• Highly scalable, meaning they can be easily expanded to accommodate more nodes or sensors. 
• Easy to deploy and can be used in a variety of environments, from urban to rural.

Challenges of WSN

Despite their many benefits, WSNs also have some challenges. 

• One of the biggest challenges is power management, as the nodes of the network need to be powered in order to operate. 
• Data transmission range of the nodes is limited, meaning that the network may need to be expanded in order to cover larger areas. 
• WSNs are vulnerable to security threats, as the data transmitted between the nodes is not encrypted.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to implement a WSN in your project, the first step is to understand the different components and architectures of WSNs, as well as the various applications and challenges. With the right understanding and implementation, you can leverage the power of WSNs to great effect.

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