Approach for characterisation and performance assessment of wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) is an emerging technology for industrial automation applications. Many solutions are available which consider more or less industrial related requirements. This paper presents research and development perspectives on wireless sensor networks from the project “ZESAN” (FKZ: 01BN0712F), which was founded by German Government through the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The subject of this paper is a method to assess wireless sensor networks communication from the point of view of industrial automation applications. A model approach for assessment of wireless sensor networks, including a test architecture and a measurement setup is explained. Finally the measurement results are discussed.