Open standards for homeland security sensor networks

Sensors and networks are key components in building distributed sensor networks nationwide for detecting weapons of mass destruction and monitoring and protecting critical infrastructure such as airports, bridges, buildings, railways, utility, and water supplies. Tens of thousands of sensors will be connected through wired and wireless networks for communicating and sharing sensor data and information among government agencies and private enterprises to effectively protect people and property. Open, standardized sensor interfaces and sensor data formats are needed to enable effective integration, access, fusion, and use of sensor-derived data in critical homeland security (HLS) applications. This article discusses some open standards that enable rapid and seamless sensor interconnection, integration, discovery, access, and usage within and across systems, networks, and enterprises through Web access.