Real-Time Communication and Coordination in Embedded Sensor Networks

Abstract

Sensor networks can be considered distributed computing platforms with many severe constraints, including limited CPU speed, memory size, power, and bandwidth. Individual nodes in sensor networks are typically unreliable and the network topology dynamically changes, possibly frequently. Sensor networks also differ because of their tight interaction with the physical environment via sensors and actuators. Because of this interaction, we find that sensor networks are very data-centric. Due to all of these differences, many solutions developed for general distributed computing platforms and for ad-hoc networks cannot be applied to sensor networks. After discussing several motivating applications, this paper first discusses the state of the art with respect to general research challenges, then focuses on more specific research challenges that appear in the networking, operating system, and middleware layers. For some of the research challenges, initial solutions or approaches are identified.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA466459

Entities

People

  • Chenyang Lu
  • Jennifer C. Hou
  • John A. Stankovic
  • Lui R. Sha
  • Tarek F. Abdelzaher

Organizations

  • University of Virginia

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computer Networks
  • Computer Programming
  • Computers
  • Data Transmission
  • Detectors
  • Digital Communications
  • Energy Consumption
  • Mesh Networks
  • Multiple Access
  • Network Protocols
  • Network Science
  • Routing Protocols
  • Sensor Networks
  • Transport Protocols
  • Wireless Communications
  • Wireless Networks
  • Wireless Sensor Networks

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Computer Networking
  • Distributed Systems and Data Platform Development
  • Systems Analysis and Design