Sensor Networks - Critical Infrastructure for Society? Challenges for Resilience, Security and Interoperability

Sensor networks have evolved rapidly in recent years from purpose built technology specific deployments to the stage where they are now able to deliver information through commodity communications channels. In parallel, pressures on the environment and resources have made the range of such purposes much wider and sensor input is necessary for sustainability of society’s functions and infrastructure. The sensor network is becoming a part of critical network infrastructure and, in the same ways as other supporting technologies, must satisfy requirements for resilience, security and interoperability. This paper takes stock of requirements and solutions to highlight the opportunities and potential threats that follow from these trends. It reports on current work in CENELEC on a framework for addressing these issues.