A Survey on Internet of Things Using Wireless Sensor Networks

Today, smart grid, smart homes, smart water networks, intelligent transportation, are infrastructure systems that connect our world more than we ever thought possible. The common vision of such systems is usually associated with one single concept, the internet of things (IoT), where through the use of sensors, the entire physical infrastructure is closely coupled with information and communication technologies; where intelligent monitoring and management can be achieved via the usage of networked embedded devices. In such a sophisticated dynamic system, devices are interconnected to transmit useful measurement information and control instructions via distributed sensor networks. A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a network formed by a large number of sensor nodes where each node is equipped with a sensor to detect physical phenomena such as light, heat, pressure, etc. WSNs are regarded as a revolutionary information gathering method to build the information and communication system which will greatly improve the reliability and efficiency of infrastructure systems. Compared with the wired solution, WSNs feature easier deployment and better flexibility of devices. With the rapid technological development of sensors, WSNs will become the key technology for IoT. In this paper we discuss the use and evolution of WSNs within the wider context of IoT, and provide a review of WSN applications, while also focusing the attention on infrastructure technologies, applications and standards featured in WSN designs. This Paper is the sixth in a series whose purpose is to ensure that the IEC can continue to contribute with its International Standards and Conformity Assessment services to solve global problems in electro technology.