A critical analysis of research potential, challenges and future directives in industrial wireless sensor networks

Raza, M., Aslam, N., Le-Minh, H., Hussain, S. , Cao, Y. and Khan, N. M. (2018) A critical analysis of research potential, challenges and future directives in industrial wireless sensor networks. IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials, 20(1), pp. 39-95. (doi: 10.1109/COMST.2017.2759725)

Abstract

In recent years, Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks (IWSNs) have emerged as an important research theme with applications spanning a wide range of industries including automation, monitoring, process control, feedback systems and automotive. Wide scope of IWSNs applications ranging from small production units, large oil and gas industries to nuclear fission control, enables a fast-paced research in this field. Though IWSNs offer advantages of low cost, flexibility, scalability, self-healing, easy deployment and reformation, yet they pose certain limitations on available potential and introduce challenges on multiple fronts due to their susceptibility to highly complex and uncertain industrial environments. In this paper a detailed discussion on design objectives, challenges and solutions, for IWSNs, are presented. A careful evaluation of industrial systems, deadlines and possible hazards in industrial atmosphere are discussed. The paper also presents a thorough review of the existing standards and industrial protocols and gives a critical evaluation of potential of these standards and protocols along with a detailed discussion on available hardware platforms, specific industrial energy harvesting techniques and their capabilities. The paper lists main service providers for IWSNs solutions and gives insight of future trends and research gaps in the field of IWSNs.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hussain, Dr Sajjad
• Authors: Raza, M., Aslam, N., Le-Minh, H., Hussain, S., Cao, Y., and Khan, N. M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• Journal Name: IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials
• Publisher: IEEE
• ISSN: 1553-877X
• ISSN (Online): 1553-877X
• Published Online: 04 October 2017
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2017 IEEE
• First Published: First published in IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials 20(1):39-95
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy