Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks: Algorithms and Protocols for Scalable Coordination and Data Communication

Chapter 1

Applications, Models, Problems, and Solution Strategies

Hai Liu¹, Amiya Nayak², and Ivan Stojmenovic²

¹Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, P.R. China

²School of Information Technology and Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5

Abstract

This introductory chapter describes various applications, scenarios, and models of wireless sensor and actuator networks. Problems at the physical, medium access, network, and transport layers as well as various tools needed to enable their functioning are identified. Various assumptions and metrics used in simulations and protocol descriptions are discussed. The chapter then describes ways of generating sensor and actuator networks based on widely accepted unit disk graph models. Finally, this chapter discusses solution approaches arising in sensor networks and advocates the use of localized protocols, where individual sensors and actuators make their decisions based on local knowledge.