Wireless Sensor Networks – Sensor Node Architecture and Design Challenges

Abstract

Advancements in microelectronics and semi-conductor technologies have been a major contributor in the embracement of wireless sensor networks (WSN). They have enabled the development of more flexible, smaller and cheaper sensing devices that still have sufficient processing power, storage capabilities, memory and communication capabilities to carry out their dedicated purpose effectively. However, the characteristics of WSNs such as: resource-constrained small form factor of the sensor nodes, wireless communication and unattended harsh operating environments; makes designing a reliable and efficient WSN quite formidable. This paper presents an overview of the WSN architecture and a comprehensive discussion on some of the major design challenges WSNs designers encounter during implementation.

Keywords: Wireless sensor network; sensor architecture; radio frequency; WSN design challenges; wireless security