Course catalogue

Theory class: Introduction to sensor networks, basic similarities and differences with other wireless and mobile network systems, sensor network architectures, physical layer communication protocols, medium access control protocols, energy-efficient protocols, protocols for solving synchronization problems, addressing, optimal sensor placement problem, topology control, automatic node clustering algorithms, optimization techniques, self-organizing sensor networks, self-adaptive sensor operation, data clustering techniques for efficient information compression, routing algorithms and protocols, content-based networking techniques and dynamic network state, resource management algorithms, security issues, integrated sensor network development examples in smart home and business environments, integrated networks and the role of sensor networks as a key building block, examples of use in smart cities and smart islands, examples of use in culture and health, unified data management platforms, innovative business models based on the principles of interconnected and open data.

Laboratory class: Laboratory exercises for practical implementation of a functional sensor network (server, gateway, temperature/ humidity/ motion measurement sensors, smart controllers, etc.) with data collection, storage, processing and visualization. Exercises to study MAC layer protocols, routing protocols, resource management algorithms and data compression algorithms for communication cost minimization.

Course objectives can be categorized into three levels. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

At the level of knowledge acquisition:

• To comprehend the basic notions of Sensor Networks
• To comprehend the basic functionalities of Sensor Networks and the latter’s interaction with other types of networking systems (e.g. mobile/fixed networking systems)
• To comprehend the particular problems and solutions in the different layers (i.e. physical, MAC, network, transport layer) of the Sensor Networks.
• To study various ways that sensor network protocols collaborate in order to implement the basis upon which the various applications may run.
• To study the design features and ways of implementation of protocols and their application in sensor networks.

At the level of practical knowledge:

• To design and analyze the requirements of a sensor network
• To design and analyze innovative business models for specific sensor network applications
• To evaluate the performance of a sensor network according to various key performance indicators
• To implement a small-scale application for a sensor network

At the level of competencies:

• To be able to communicate effectively with specialized and non-specialized personnel as members or leaders of a project team working on development and management of a sensor network
• To be able to work on complex sensor network problems both in a systematic and creative way
• To be able to function autonomously and propose/implement solutions in real-life sensor network problems
• To exploit software tools in order to be able to effectively analyze the performance of a sensor network
   

Not required.

Written exam (60% of the overall score)

Laboratory exercises and final lab exam (40% of the overall score)

Greek (English for Erasmus students)