Towards Achieving Reliability in Wireless Sensor Networks –A Survey

Sensor nodes in a WSN are deployed with the intention of collecting information such that the activities and environment in the target area can be faithfully reconstructed at a remote location using the raw data collected and action then may be taken based on same. Reliability of the deployed WSN becomes critical in this context as decision making could be adversely affected in case the reconstruction is incorrect. This becomes a major issue for Wireless Sensor & Actuator Networks where actuation is automated and solely dependent upon the reliability of information collected. The authors present a critical analysis of the various protocols and techniques proposed for ensuring reliability in Wireless Sensor Networks. A categorization of the techniques has been presented with emphasis on identifying the desirable features in a protocol which enables achieving higher degree of reliability. The challenges and critical requirements of reliable data acquisition as applicable to WSNs is also identified. The paper links the concept of reliability in WSNs to the traditional concept of reliability as applicable to devices.