Wireless sensor networks have been useful in a variety of areas. The primary areas in which these networks are deployed follows.
- Environmental observations.
- Wireless sensor networks can be used to monitor environmental changes.
- An example is water pollution detection in a lake that is located near a factory that uses chemical substances.
- Sensor nodes are randomly deployed in unknown and hostile areas and relay the exact origin of a pollutant to a centralized authority which takes appropriate measures to limit the spreading of pollution.
- Other examples include forest fi re detection, air pollution, and rainfall observation in agriculture.
- Military monitoring.
- The military uses sensor networks for battlefield surveillance.
- Sensors can monitor vehicular traffic, track the position of the enemy, or even safeguard the equipment of side deploying sensors.
- Building monitoring.
- Wireless sensor networks can also be used in large buildings or factories to monitor climate changes.
- Thermostats and temperature sensor nodes are deployed all over the building’s area. In addition, sensors can be used to monitor vibration that can damage the structure of a building.
- Health care.
- Sensors can be used in biomedical applications to improve the quality of provided care.
- Sensors are implanted in the human body to monitor medical problems such as cancer and help patients maintain their health.