User Manual

RK-5409-5 Reference Kit User’s Guide 1-5
Wireless Sensor Networking Overview
Gateway
The gateway is the interface between the application platform and the wireless nodes on the
network. The gateway can be a discrete module, or it can be integrated onto a Flash card form
factor for a handheld device, for example. All information received from the various network
nodes is aggregated by the gateway and forwarded on to the application platform. In the
reverse direction, when a command is issued by the application program to a network node,
the gateway relays the information to the wireless sensor network. The gateway can also
perform protocol conversion to enable the wireless network to work with other
industry-standard network protocols.
Mesh Node Module
Considered full-function devices (FFD), mesh node modules (sometimes called routers) are used
to extend network coverage area, route around obstacles, and provide back-up routes in case
of network congestion or device failure. In some cases, mesh nodes may also be connected via
analog and digital interfaces to sensors and actuators, providing the same I/O functionality of
an end node module. Mesh nodes can be battery powered or line powered.
End Node Module
Considered reduced-function devices (RFD), end nodes (sometimes called endpoints) provide
the physical interface between the wireless sensor network and the sensor or actuator to which
it is wired. End nodes will usually have one or more I/O connections for connecting to and
communicating with analog or digital sensor or actuator devices. End nodes are typically battery
powered.
Sensor/Actuator
These are the devices you ultimately wish to monitor and/or control. An example is a sensor
monitoring the pressure in an oil pipeline.