Development & Demonstration of the Utility of Wireless Environmental Sensors Incorporating a Multi-hop Protocol

We describe the successful development and deployment of an environmental sensor network deployed in the Great Crowden Brook catchment area of the Peak District, UK. The main aim was to assess our deployment methodology for "multi-hop" networks and assess the sensor node technology choices from an operational perspective, so as to inform ongoing development of a complete hydrological sensor network. The area of interest is deep within a steep sided valley where there is no GSM coverage, and thus the only cost effective way to transmit real-time sensor readings to a remote lab is via multi-hop networking. We believe this report of our operational experience will assist other groups with an interest in developing environmental sensor networks.