ABSTRACT
Real-world applications based on wireless mesh networks and distributed sensors take a wide variety
of forms. Imagine high-rise buildings in earthquake-prone southern California with embedded strain
gauges contained in the structural members, delivering data wirelessly to monitor the integrity of the
structure during seismic events. Freight shipments in ships or trucks are monitored for temperature,
shock, or vibration using wireless sensors in the cargo area that store data en route and deliver it upon
docking. Petroleum pumping stations in frigid regions maintain oil flow at a precise degree of viscosity
using embedded sensors in the pipelines linked to a feedback mechanism that controls individual
heaters. Environmental monitors in orchards and vineyards guide irrigation schedules and fertilization,
and provide alerts if frost danger becomes evident. Water treatment facilities use wireless sensors to
monitor turbidity levels at the final critical stages of treatment and issue warnings if the monitored
values exceed limits.
