Agile software empowers wireless-sensor networks.

EDN, January, 2007 by Tanzillo, P.J.

by PJ Tanzillo, National Instruments

Applications for wireless networks can range from home automation to large-scale environmental monitoring. With the freedom these wireless approaches offer, you can network the tundra as easily as the office.

An effective wireless-sensor network requires the integration of two key components: low-cost, low-power, scalable hardware and manageable software. The industry has shown signs of delivering on the first need with more cost-effective microprocessors and chip sets that allow for lower power communications. A good example is the ZigBee protocol, in which devices can have a duty cycle of less than 1% and an extended battery life of as long as two years using common AA batteries. However, the industry...

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