A Wireless Sensor Network Application Requirements Taxonomy

Traditional data networks have a relatively clear role to play in modern life. Sensor networks on the other hand are a polymorphous species destined for a world of diverse applications. We argue that it is timely to produce a systematic classification of sensor network application classes and accordingly do so. Two major application classes are described and their similarities and differences are elucidated by the taxonomy. This taxonomic work is designed to improve requirements capture for sensor network applications by facilitating solution to scenario matching. It also indicates some challenging aspects of wireless sensor networks in precision agriculture and wild fire management — our sample application domains.