5.1 WSN topologies (e.g., star, tree, mesh)

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) use different topologies to connect nodes and transmit data. Star, tree, mesh, and cluster-based setups each have unique pros and cons for things like scalability, energy use, and reliability. Picking the right topology is key for a WSN to work well.

Network size and node placement affect how data moves through a WSN. Single-hop setups work for small networks, while multi-hop designs handle larger areas better. Balancing communication range and power use is crucial for long-lasting, efficient sensor networks.

WSN Topology Types

Centralized and Decentralized Architectures

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• Star topology utilizes a centralized architecture where all sensor nodes directly communicate with a central base station or sink node
• Tree topology employs a hierarchical structure with a root node at the top and child nodes branching out at lower levels, forming a decentralized architecture
• Mesh topology allows for decentralized communication between nodes, enabling them to relay data through multiple paths to reach the destination
• Cluster-based topology organizes nodes into groups or clusters, each with a designated cluster head responsible for aggregating and forwarding data from member nodes to the base station
• Hybrid topology combines characteristics of multiple topologies (star, tree, mesh) to create a customized network structure that balances factors such as energy efficiency, reliability, and scalability

Data Transmission and Routing

• Star topology relies on direct communication between sensor nodes and the base station, making it suitable for small-scale networks with limited node density and coverage area
• Tree topology facilitates data aggregation and filtering at intermediate nodes, reducing energy consumption and network traffic as data is forwarded up the hierarchy towards the root node
• Mesh topology supports multi-hop communication, allowing nodes to dynamically select the most efficient route based on factors like link quality, energy levels, and network congestion
• Cluster-based topology minimizes long-distance transmissions by confining most communication within clusters, with cluster heads responsible for inter-cluster communication and data forwarding to the base station
• Hybrid topology leverages the strengths of different topologies to optimize network performance, such as using a star topology for local communication within clusters and a mesh topology for inter-cluster communication

WSN Topology Characteristics

Scalability and Network Size

• Network scalability refers to the ability of a WSN to accommodate a growing number of sensor nodes without significant degradation in performance or efficiency
• Single-hop topologies (star) are limited in scalability due to the direct communication between nodes and the base station, which can lead to congestion and energy depletion as the network size increases
• Multi-hop topologies (tree, mesh, cluster-based) enable greater scalability by allowing nodes to relay data through intermediate nodes, distributing the communication load and extending the network's reach
• Network density, which represents the number of nodes per unit area, affects scalability by influencing factors such as interference, collision, and energy consumption in dense deployments

Communication Range and Energy Efficiency

• Single-hop communication, as used in star topologies, requires nodes to directly transmit data to the base station, which can be energy-intensive for nodes located far away or in obstructed environments
• Multi-hop communication, employed in tree, mesh, and cluster-based topologies, allows nodes to transmit data over shorter distances to neighboring nodes, reducing the energy required for long-range transmissions
• Network density impacts energy efficiency, as high-density deployments can lead to increased interference and collision, requiring more retransmissions and energy consumption to ensure successful data delivery
• Topology selection should consider the trade-off between communication range, energy efficiency, and the specific requirements of the application, such as data latency, reliability, and network lifetime