Overview:
 
Advances in wireless networking, micro-fabrication and integration (for example, sensors and actuators manufactured using micro-electro mechanical system technology, or MEMS), and embedded microprocessors have enabled a new generation of massive-scale sensor networks suitable for a range of commercial and military applications. The technology promises to revolutionize the way we live, work, and interact with the physical environment.
 
This report provides the reader with an understanding of the various communication network methodologies and their evolution towards the sensor network arena with special focus on the cutting edge applications and technological breakthroughs. It includes sections focusing on the important challenges and technological drawbacks for the sensor networks giving detailed outlooks about the architecture and auto-configuration strategies involved in the networks.  Wireless sensor challenges and the bottlenecks are evaluated relative to factors and scenarios that are of great importance and concern regarding deployment and performance.
 
This report evaluates the latest developments in the sensor network arena including tracking and monitoring applications.  This report addresses all of the most important applications and uses today and those anticipated in the future.  For example, wireless sensor networks find a huge role in homeland security applications.  The report analyzes opportunities in this area with special focus on key applications such as passport control, air defense systems and border security applications.
 
The report also includes case analysis of sensor networks in the Asia Pacific region focusing primarily on China, Singapore, Japan and also South Korea.
 
Audience:
 
Wireless service providers including cellular mobile network operators and others
Investors in the area of sensing, telemetry, remote monitoring and control
Wireless component vendors and OEM manufacturers
Application developers and systems integrators
Wireless application and content providers
 

Table of Contents:
Section-I Introduction

Section-II Evolution of Wireless Communication Networks
 
Section -III Important Challenges in Sensor Networks:
* Architecture of a Sensor Network and Beyond
* Self Configuration Techniques
* Data gathering procedure in a Sensor Network
 
Section-IV
Synchronization Factors and Implementation Issues
* Synchronization Factors in a Sensor Network
* Synchronization Methodologies
Mobile and Static Node Scenario
Connection oriented and Connection less protocol
Real-Life Implementation issues of a Sensor Network
The Partitioning Decision
* Natural and Artificial Interferences
* Accuracy Factors
* Power Consumption issues
 
Section-V Sensor Networks in the Real World
* Hardware
* Environment
* Tools
* Simulators
 
Section-VI

* Current Areas of Adoption for the Sensor Network
* Current Application Areas for Sensor Networks
* Monitoring
* Tracking
* Transportation
* Communication
 
Section-VII

* Sensor Networks in Healthcare
* Healthcare and Sensor Networks
* Sensor Networks in Monitoring Patents and Elderly people
* Technical bottlenecks and challenges
 Improved sensor design
 Biocompatibility
 Energy Supply and Demand
 
Section-VIII

Sensor Network and Smart Home
Smart Home Basic Components
Smart Home Standards
* X10
* Limitations of the standard
* Cost Estimation of the Available Technologies
* Budgeting and comparing device cost
 
Section-IX

Quality of Service for Sensor Networks
Quality Standards and Metrics
Challenges ahead of QoS
Factors & Scenarios influencing the QoS
Steps against data uncertainty
 
Section-X

Security Issues in Sensor Networks
Implementing Secure Sensor Networks
Using Sensor Networks for Security Measures
Sensor Networks in Homeland Security
 * Passport Control
 * Border Security Application
 * Air Defence System
 * Environmental Monitor System
Commercial Usages Targeting Factories
 * Tracking
 * Monitoring
 * Inventory Control
 * Automated Sales
 * Process Control
Products for Home
 
Section-XI

Future of Sensor Networks and their Prototypes
 * Asset and warehouse management
 * Automotive
 * Building monitoring and control
 * Environmental Monitoring
 * Healthcare
 * Military Battlefield Awareness
 * Security and surveillance
Future Research
 * Secure systems
 * Embedded Operating Systems
 * Group Management
 * Lightweight Signal Processing
 * High Data Rate Sensors
 
Section XII

Sensor Network & Applications-Asia Pacific

China
* Protocols and Standards
* Companies and Institutions Involved
* Present Status
* Roadmap of Technological Progress
* Future Potential

Japan
* Protocols and Standards
* Companies and Institutions Involved
* Present Status
* Roadmap of Technological Progress
* Future Potential

Singapore
* Protocols and Standards
* Companies and Institutions Involved
* Present Status
* Roadmap of Technological Progress
* Future Potential

South Korea
* Protocols and Standards
* Companies and Institutions Involved
* Present Status
* Roadmap of Technological Progress
* Future Potential
 
Section XIII Conclusions