Difference between Wireless Sensor Networks ( WSN) and IoT

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Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless sensor networks (WSN) are commonly confused. We’ll explain the two concepts with examples and will discuss the difference between Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) and IoT in this article.

One of the most fascinating technologies is the Internet of Things (IoT). It affects our interactions with technology and social interactions. Other sensor network-related technologies are also becoming prominent. A wireless sensor network is one of the key. One of the main technological will discuss the components of Internet of Things is wireless sensor network.

IoT deployment requires the use of wireless sensor networks. Wireless sensor networks integrate IoT devices locally, whereas the Internet of Things connects the real world to the web.

Wireless Sensor Network

Wireless sensor network (WSNs) are ad hoc networks of autonomous devices that collect information from the physical environment. It includes cluster of sensor networks, mesh networks, field area networks (FANs), body area networks (BANs) and narrowband IoT (NB-IoT).

These low-powered devices need certain communication protocols to transfer data. IoT systems collect and analyze data from each autonomously linked device. Private cloud providers offer limited storage and applications, while public cloud providers serve all customers.

Example: Wireless Sensor Network

One example of a WSN is a network of sensors on a ship’s hull to detect water intrusion. Each sensor has a unique ID and operates independently. Each sensor is battery-powered which sends data to a central gateway using an ultralow-power protocol. The gateway aggregates data collected from the sensors before sending it to the IoT platform.

A network of nodes used for infrastructure management is another example of a WSN. They have improved the efficiency and convenience of people’s lives.

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) Architecture

A Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a network system comprised of numerous nodes, or sensors, connected wirelessly. Each node in a WSN is tasked with collecting environmental data and transmitting it to a central server or cloud platform. The architecture of a WSN can vary, with several common configurations including star topology and hub topology.

Star Topology:

In a star topology, each sensor node is directly connected to a central node. The central node is responsible for aggregating the data from all connected nodes and relaying it to a central server or cloud platform.

This architecture is straightforward to deploy and manage due to its simple structure. However, it has limitations in scalability; as the number of nodes increases, the central node can become a bottleneck, potentially leading to inefficiencies in data transmission and processing.

Additionally, if the central node fails, the entire network can be disrupted. Despite these drawbacks, star topology remains popular due to its ease of setup and synchronization.

Hub Topology:

A hub topology, also known as a hub-spoke model, features a central hub that connects to multiple sensor nodes through either wired or wireless links. The hub collects data from the nodes and transmits it to a central server or cloud platform.

This topology allows for flexible data transmission options, including online or local network communications.

Nodes in a hub topology are strategically placed to monitor various environmental factors, and their placement can be adapted to specific needs, such as attaching sensors to moving vehicles or small robots. The number of nodes required is typically determined by the scope of the monitoring task and the environmental context.

Applications:

Wireless Sensor Networks are versatile and find applications across various sectors, including:

Healthcare: Monitoring patient health metrics, managing medical equipment, and ensuring environmental conditions in healthcare settings.

Military: Surveillance, battlefield monitoring, and tactical operations.
Agriculture: Soil moisture monitoring, crop health assessment, and automated irrigation systems.
Manufacturing: Equipment monitoring, process control, and safety management.

Retail: Inventory management, customer behavior analysis, and environmental control.

Each WSN architecture offers distinct advantages and limitations, and the choice of architecture depends on the specific requirements of the application and the operational environment.

Internet of Things

A network of interconnected devices that can interact via the internet and can communicate with each other is known as the Internet of Things (IoT). Anything from cellphones to home appliances can be included in these devices. The devices may send and receive data since they are online and connected. The information can then be used to control devices or provide user information.

All of the sensors in an IoT system send data directly to the internet.

Example: Internet of Things

A sensor might be used, for example, to monitor the temperature of a body of water. The data will be instantly or repeatedly sent directly to the internet, where a server can process it and allow for front-end interface interpretation.

WSN as an IoT Subset

WSN is a technology that is frequently used in IoT systems. In an IoT system, a large collection of sensors, like those in a mesh network, can be used to collect data on their own and transfer it via a router to the internet.

It’s also crucial to remember that “the internet of things” encompasses far more than the term “wireless sensor network.”

WSN is a network made up entirely of wireless sensors. A wired sensor would prevent the network from still being referred to as a “wireless sensor network.”

IoT is not like this. IoT devices may essentially be any device that connects to the internet. As a result, a “IoT system” can be thought of as a collection of numerous IoT devices.

Difference Between Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) and the Internet of Things (IoT)

Internet of Things vs Wireless Sensor Networks

Basis	Internet of Things	Wireless Sensor Network
Protocols	In NetSim IoT, the AODV and RPL routing protocols are used.	The NetSim WSN uses DSR, AODV, OLSR, and ZRP routing protocols.
Architecture	IOT has a gateway that can connect to internetworks (having routers, switches, APs, etc.)	WSN is a network of only sensors.
Devices	IOT uses IPv6 in the sensor network (802.15.4 MAC/PHY) and IPv4 on the internetwork portion.	WSN uses IPv4 and includes a sink (not a gateway).

IoT Vs WSN

IoT	WSN
Technology that links hardware to the internet so that it can communicate with other devices and share data.	Used to track and gather information about physical or environmental conditions.
Consists of a smaller number of devices that are connected to the internet via wired or wireless connections.	Consist of a large number of small, low-powered sensors that wirelessly transmit data to a central base station.
More general and versatile.	Made to function in certain settings for a particular need.
Relies on industry-standard protocols like TCP/IP,	Use proprietary technologies and protocols.
More decentralized and involves many organizations and people.	Deployed by a single organization.
Open system	Closed systems
More dynamic, with devices and things being moved around and connected to multiple networks.	Static, with sensors being put in a specific location and remaining in that location.
Used for data gathering, monitoring, control, and communication.	Involves data collection and monitoring
Market is more developed	Market is still emerging

WSNs are used to track and gather information about physical or environmental conditions.
In contrast, the IoT is a technology that links hardware to the internet so that it can communicate with other devices and share data.
WSNs are frequently made to function in certain settings for a particular need. In contrast, the IoT is intended to be more general and versatile.
In challenging or hazardous situations, WSNs are frequently utilized for monitoring purposes.
While the IoT is used to connect multiple devices and objects in in more everyday settings.

While the IoT relies on industry-standard protocols like TCP/IP, WSN frequently use proprietary technologies and protocols.
IoT typically consists of a smaller number of devices that are connected to the internet via wired or wireless connections, whereas WSN typically consist of a large number of small, low-power sensors that wirelessly transmit data to a central base station.

While the IoT is more dynamic, with devices and things being moved around and connected to multiple networks. WSNs are often static, with sensors being put in a specific location and remaining in that location.

A single organization typically deploys and operates WSN. The IoT, on the other hand, is more decentralized and involves many organizations and people.
IoT is more open, where data is shared and utilized by a range of organizations and individuals, WSNs are frequently closed systems with data being collected and used by the deploying organization.
Data collection and monitoring generally involve WSN. Whereas the IoT can be used for a number of purposes, such as data gathering, monitoring, control, and communication.

IoT market is more developed, the WSN market is still emerging.