RFWSN vs. Ad Hoc Networks: Key Differences Explained
wireless sensor
ad hoc network
network comparison
sensor network
wireless communication
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This article compares Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) and Ad Hoc Networks, highlighting the distinctions between these two types of wireless networks.
Wireless Sensor Network (WSN)
WSN stands for Wireless Sensor Network. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- A WSN consists of a large number of sensor nodes, often referred to as “sensor motes.”
- These motes are self-directed, low-powered devices.
- Their primary function is to collect, process, and transmit data to users.
- WSN nodes typically have limited computing and processing capabilities.
- Energy efficiency is a crucial design consideration for WSNs.
- WSNs often rely on some form of infrastructure and can contain hundreds or even thousands of nodes.
Ad Hoc Network
Unlike WSNs, Ad Hoc Networks don’t require pre-existing infrastructure and usually involve a smaller number of nodes.
The following table summarizes the features of Ad Hoc Networks and contrasts them with WSNs:
| Feature | Wireless Sensor Network | Ad Hoc Network |
|---|---|---|
| Number of sensor nodes/motes | Large in quantity | Medium in quantity |
| Deployment type | Very dense | Scattered |
| Rate of failure | More | Very rare |
| Change in network topology frequency | Rare | - |
| Communication mode | Broadcast | Point to point |
| Battery | Not replaceable / Not rechargeable | Replaceable |
| Identifiers (IDs) | No unique IDs | Unique IDs |
| Centric mode | Based on data | Based on address |
| Fusion/Aggregation | Possible | Not suitable |
| Computational capacities & memory requirement | Limited | Not limited |
| Data rate support | Lower | Higher |
| Redundancy | High | Low |
