An Introduction to Wireless Sensor Networks

This work provides a comprehensive introductory overview of wireless network sensors for the slightly less technical professional. The author starts with the most important concepts and describes the issues and topics currently under study in the field; he also explains many generally accepted sensor characteristics and types, their use and research results. Included is coverage of numerous sensor technologies that have been implemented in military and commercial products. The book includes real world examples of wireless sensor networks and technologies such as: environmental monitoring of natural habitats in Berkely, California, Great Duck Island, Maine, and the James Reserve, California; monitoring of man-made structures for earthquake studies at UC Berkely and UCLA; warehouse and retail store monitoring using radio frequency identification tags (RFID); and medical monitoring of patient health characteristics such as glucose level, and other general health attributes. Naturally, this list is not exhaustive but instead lists a few examples of sensor networks in use. The material is state-of-the-art and includes an extensive bibliography for further readings. The reader does not need to be an expert in the subject in order to appreciate "An Introduction to Wireless Sensor Networks" nor does the reader need to be an expert in potential applications to understand the possibilities for wireless sensors.