MLWS-2023

ASSIGNMENT- A1

Question 1: Describe the heterogeneous wireless sensor network model.

A heterogeneous wireless sensor network (WSN) is a type of sensor network in which the nodes, or
sensors, that make up the network are not all the same. Instead, they have different powers, functions,
and other features. In a standard homogeneous WSN, the hardware, software, and communication
abilities of all the sensor nodes are usually the same.

Nodes in a heterogeneous WSN may differ in several ways, such as:

1. Sensing Capabilities: Sensor nodes in a heterogeneous WSN may have a variety of sensors, including
ones that measure temperature, humidity, light, gas, etc. Depending on its intended use, each sensor
node is configured to sense a certain environmental characteristic.

2. Processing Power: In a heterogeneous WSN, the processing capacities of sensor nodes can differ.
Some nodes might have strong processors that allow them to do sophisticated computations, but others
might only have weak processors appropriate for easier jobs.

3. Energy Resources: The energy resources or battery capacity of nodes in a heterogeneous WSN can
vary. Larger batteries on some nodes may enable them to run for longer periods of time without needing
frequent recharging or replacement.

4. Communication Range: In a heterogeneous WSN, the communication range of sensor nodes can vary.
Some nodes may have greater communication ranges, which enables them to serve as gateways to link
the network to external systems or relay data from distant nodes.

5. Mobility: In some circumstances, some sensor nodes may be moving about while others remain
stationary. Mobile nodes are able to move across the network or alter their placements, allowing for
dynamic data collection and flexible deployment techniques.

Question 2: Explain the QoS problems in wireless sensor networks.

The challenge of ensuring that the network can fulfil specified performance criteria and deliver a certain
level of service for various applications and users is known as the Quality of Service (QoS) problem in
wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Because WSNs are frequently used to support a variety of mission-
critical applications where data correctness, dependability, and timeliness are necessary, QoS is
important in WSNs. Latency, throughput, packet delivery ratio, energy efficiency, and network longevity
are some examples of common QoS measures in WSNs.
Some of the key QoS problems in wireless sensor networks include: Limited Bandwidth, Energy
Constraints, Signal Interference, Node Failures, Dynamic Network Topology, Scalability, Security and
Privacy, Data Aggregation and Fusion. In order to solve QoS issues in wireless sensor networks, effective
protocols, algorithms, and approaches must be created that take into account the particular traits and
limitations of WSNs. To enable dependable and prompt data delivery for numerous real-world
applications like as environmental monitoring, industrial automation, and smart cities, researchers and
engineers are still working to improve QoS in WSNs.

Question 3: Express the classification of the various energy management techniques for WSNs.

To reduce the power consumption for sensor networks, it is vital to examine the topic of energy
management. This is because varying levels of energy consumption in the WSN depend on the type of
sensor node that is used in the region of interest. Energy consumption and energy supply are the two
major factors on which the energy management is based. While the latter aims to find various ways of
providing the sensor node with the necessary energy source in order to allow the WSN to operate for as
long as possible, the former focuses on the operations and devices that deplete the energy by
performing transmission, reception, and data processing.

Question 4: Explain why the communication architecture of wireless sensor networks can be
characterized as layered architecture.
Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have a communication design called a "layered architecture" as it is
composed of multiple functional layers that each do a different job. This layered method is like the OSI
(Open Systems Interconnection) model, which is used in traditional computer networks. However, it has
been changed and made easier to fit the needs and limitations of WSNs. The layered design is modular,
scalable, and makes it easier to put communication protocols into the place discussed below.

The layered design helps make the best use of resources because each layer can be made to do certain
jobs well. This is especially important for WSNs that have limited energy, memory, and processing power.
The layered approach enables a hierarchical communication structure. Data passes through different
layers, starting from the physical layer, moving upwards through the data link, network, transport, and
application layers. This allows for a systematic flow of data and control information.

Modularity and Abstraction allows for easier understanding, development, and maintenance of the WSN
communication protocols and systems. By breaking the communication process into layers, it becomes
easier to add new gadgets or technologies to the network. If the new parts stick to the interfaces that
have been set up for each layer, they can work with the current architecture without any problems. Each
layer has a well-defined functionality, and any changes or optimizations can be made to a specific layer
without affecting the other layers. Troubleshooting and debugging also become more manageable as
issues can be isolated to a particular layer.

Question 5: Describe how the implementation uses inexpensive wireless sensor nodes that are readily
available on the Indian market and have a low wireless communication range.

Implementing a wireless sensor network (WSN) with inexpensive sensor nodes that are readily available
on the Indian market and have a low wireless communication range requires careful consideration of the
choices and their limitations. Some of the considerations for implementing the above are as follows:

Selecting Low-Cost Sensor Nodes, Defining the Application carefully, decide on the network topology,
Implement duty cycling techniques, Aggregating data locally, implementing LEACH protocol, Setting up a
gateway or base station with a higher communication range , Plan for scalability and future expansion of
the WSN, Proper security as it is crucial to safeguard sensitive information. Regularly monitor the WSN's
performance and conduct maintenance activities to address any node failures or issues that may arise
over time.