Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks : Applications, Protocols, and Standards

Featuring contributions by researchers around the world, this book explores the state of the art in industrial wireless sensor networks (IWSNs) and outlines future directions for research. It offers in-depth reviews of emerging and already-deployed applications and technologies, including radio and energy harvesting technologies. It also highlights technical challenges and design objectives and discusses issues critical to industrial applications, such as latency, fault tolerance, synchronization, network security, and cross-layer design. A chapter on standards emphasizes the need for specific wireless communication standards for industrial applications.

The collaborative nature of industrial wireless sensor networks (IWSNs) brings several advantages over traditional wired industrial monitoring and control systems, including self-organization, rapid deployment, flexibility, and inherent intelligent processing. In this regard, IWSNs play a vital role in creating more reliable, efficient, and productive industrial systems, thus improving companies’ competitiveness in the marketplace. Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks: Applications, Protocols, and Standards examines the current state of the art in industrial wireless sensor networks and outlines future directions for research.

What Are the Main Challenges in Developing IWSN Systems?

Featuring contributions by researchers around the world, this book explores the software and hardware platforms, protocols, and standards that are needed to address the unique challenges posed by IWSN systems. It offers an in-depth review of emerging and already deployed IWSN applications and technologies, and outlines technical issues and design objectives. In particular, the book covers radio technologies, energy harvesting techniques, and network and resource management. It also discusses issues critical to industrial applications, such as latency, fault tolerance, synchronization, real-time constraints, network security, and cross-layer design. A chapter on standards highlights the need for specific wireless communication standards for industrial applications.

A Starting Point for Further Research

Delving into wireless sensor networks from an industrial perspective, this comprehensive work provides readers with a better understanding of the potential advantages and research challenges of IWSN applications. A contemporary reference for anyone working at the cutting edge of industrial automation, communication systems, and networks, it will inspire further exploration in this promising research area.