Network Architecture for WSN

A number of specific technologies affect the performance and efficiency of any wireless sensor network (WSN), including systems relating to wireless transmissions, frequency and communications management, Radio Frequency standards, power control and basic network designs.  Wireless Devices Today’s increasingly sophisticated transceivers function as dual-mode transmitters and receivers, and typically incorporate advances features such as automatic message acknowledgement, verification and re-transmission capabilities.

Communications Management
Recognizing the importance of reliable digital communications, fully-capable WSN solutions feature a range of signal management capabilities, including pre-message device identification and location, noise filtering, and multiple information bit-matching on frequency synchronization.

Frequency Management
To provide optimum security and reliability, transceivers can employ frequency hopping with a spread spectrum wireless communications system. Often deployed in demanding military applications, this approach improves signal security while ensuring that signals are not blocked by noise on any single frequency.

Optimization of Wireless Data Rates
Optimized data transmission rates ensure more transmission energy per bit of data, which produces more robust and reliable wireless communications.

Energy Efficiency
Because WSNs are by definition not hard-wired, a key issue in any remote monitoring network is the efficient use of energy in wireless sensors and transmitters. Today’s most efficient WSNs optimize energy use through more efficient data transmission, signal processing and hardware operation.

Network Topographies
Wireless sensor solutions today are typically deployed in one of two network topologies: Star Networks, in which all end-point wireless sensor nodes connect to a network gateway or coordinator within direct communication range; and Mesh (or Peer-to-Peer) Networks in which each node is in direct communication with its immediate neighbors within communication range.

Standards
Wireless Sensor Networks will be impacted by upcoming industry standards and protocols, including the IEE 802.15.4 PHY and MAC radio standards and the in-process protocol ZigBee. These standards and protocols provide important benefits to industrial-class wireless networks, including self-healing and self-forming mesh networks, simplified network design and operation, and lower costs.

Intrinsic Safety Approvals
Wireless sensor network components must meet intrinsic safety requirements governing electrical and thermal energy sources in hazardous designated industrial environments.