A Hierarchical Wireless Sensor Network Test-bed for Research and Education

Summary

The purpose of this testbed wireless sensor network is twofold.  First, the testbed provides a multi-hop sensor network platform that could be used for the development, analysis, and evaluation of sensor network protocols and applications. In particular, for our synergistic research tasks, we will (i) study the superiority of a hierarchical sensor network architecture in providing enhanced connectivity, improved energy conservation, and reliability, (ii) evaluate existing security protocols, (iii) design new security mechanisms and resilient schemes in defense of faults and attacks, and (iv) develop new region-based event monitoring applications. Second, the testbed will serve as a vital shared education tool, for educating and training undergraduate students for their capstone design projects and for graduate students in their independent research projects.

 This testbed network will also enhance the computer science and engineering curriculum by facilitating integrated research and education in wireless sensor network programming environments, communication protocols, system design, and applications. The testbed network will be used as the experimental platform for a new graduate course on sensor and wireless sensor networks. This project will impact curriculum and result in enhancement of courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels, contributing to the formation of a stronger relationship between research and education.