A sensor network is a set of small autonomous systems, called sensor nodes which cooperate to solve at least one common application. Their tasks include some kind of perception of physical parameters.

Sensor networks are rapidly all becoming wireless.

Projections for future sensor networks include "smart dust" applications, in which tiny (dust mote) disposable sensor nodes are deployed liberally and in a non-structured manner in an environment, on a person, on a group of persons, on a structure such as a building or a bridge. The sensor network would then act to provide information about the overall condition studied. It should be noted that

Applications include:

• Enviromental applications
  • forest fire detection
  • flood detection
  • structure monitoring
• Health applications
  • monitor human physiological data
  • habitat monitoring
  • drug administration
• Industrial applications
  • plant monitoring
  • energy distribution networks monitoring
• Military applications
  • target detection
  • battlefield surveillance
  • nuclear, biological and chemical attack detection etc.