The next challenge for wireless sensor networks: Addressing practical issues

Academic research in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has been active for more than a decade. Many algorithms and solutions have been proposed to address several of the challenges this field present. Nevertheless, this technology has not seen the commercialization and the industrial adoption that match the field´s research maturity. In this paper, we identify and discuss a new set of practical challenges that are not usually considered in academic research. Addressing these challenges is critical to improving industrial awareness and engagement. The WSNs technology cannot reach its full potential until and unless these challenges have been understood, addressed and resolved.