NeTS-NOSS: Funneling Impulses in Sensor Networks

Columbia University, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

Proposal Number: 0435168 PI: Nicholas Maxemchuk Institution: Columbia University Title: Funneling Impulses in Sensor Networks Abstract: This grant's research targets sensor networks that must "funnel" a sudden impulse of data that is generated due to an anomalous event such as an earthquake, terrorist attack, flood, or fire. The objective is to understand, from a fundamental standpoint, how to design sensor networks to adequately handle these impulses of data. The PIs explore four fundamental areas that must be addressed by these types of networks for this scenario: * Topological layout (density) of sensors to optimize battery resources during funneling. * Persistence of data waiting to be funneled as nodes fail * Compression of data en-route to the collection points during funneling. * Reliability of delivery of data en-route to the collection points during funneling The research will produce fundamental, mathematical models that will be used to solve these problems in an analytical context. The results will be of use to more practically-oriented research that seeks to implement and experiment with actual hardware and software solutions. The availability of dense sensor networks that are robust and can effectively funnel impulses will have great impact on demanding sensing application areas such as disaster response and recovery, fire fighting, and emergency response. In addition, the techniques that are developed within this research will play a crucial role in defining foundations for future dense sensor networks, providing the basis for a new class of sensing applications in these critically important areas. Research results will be disseminated through technical and popular publications in top conferences.