Wireless Sensor Network as a Mesh: Vision and Challenges

Abstract

Nowadays, network technologies are developing very rapidly. The growing volume of transmitted information (video, data, VoIP, etc.), the physical growth of networks, and inter-network traffic are forcing manufacturers to produce more powerful and ‘‘smart’’ devices that use new methods of transferring and sorting data. Such connected smart devices (IoT) are used in intelligently controlled traffic for self-driving vehicles in Vehicle Adhoc Networks (VANET), in electricity and water in smart cities, and in-home automation in smart homes. These types of connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices are used to leverage different types of network structures. Such IoT sensor devices can be deployed as a wireless sensor network (WSN) in a mesh topology. Both WSNs and Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are easy to organize as well as to deploy. In this case, there are many reasons for combining these different types of networks. In particular, the detailed sensory capabilities of sensor networks may be improved by increasing bandwidth, reliability and power consumption in the mesh topology. However, there are currently only a handful of studies devoting to integrate these two different types of networks. In addition, there is no systematic review of existing interconnection methods. That is why in this article we explore the existing methods of these two networks and provide an analytical basis for their relationship. We introduce the definition of WSN and WMN and then look at some case studies. Afterward, we present several challenges and opportunities in the area of combined Wireless Mesh Sensor Network (WMSN) followed by a discussion on this interconnection through literature review and hope that this document will attract the attention of the community and inspire further research in this direction.