Synchronized Wireless Sensor Networks for coexistence

This paper deals with the problem of coexistence of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for industrial applications, proposing new approaches. In fact, if several WSNs operate in the same area, the reliability of the system rapidly decreases, especially if static radio channel assignment WSNs and frequency hopping WSNs are mixed. The proposed architecture is based on a collaborative approach that exploits synchronization capability of some WSNs to improve coexistence. In order to prove the feasibility of this approach, a simulation framework has been created and real prototypes have been evaluated by means of on-the-field measurements. Experimental results, in terms of number of coexisting WSNs and node battery life improvements, show a very good agreement with simulations.