Building Wireless Sensor Networks

What is Building Wireless Sensor Networks by Robert Faludi about?

• Comprehensive hands-on guide: The book is a practical manual for building wireless sensor networks using ZigBee, XBee radios, Arduino, and Processing, suitable for both beginners and experienced makers.
• Step-by-step project focus: It walks readers through real-world projects, from simple wireless doorbells to mesh networks and Internet-connected devices, emphasizing learning by doing.
• Emphasis on ZigBee protocol: The book explains why ZigBee is ideal for sensor networks, highlighting its mesh networking, power-saving, and security features.
• No prior expertise required: Written for hobbyists, students, designers, and artists, it assumes no engineering or computer science background.

Why should I read Building Wireless Sensor Networks by Robert Faludi?

• Expert, accessible instruction: Robert Faludi is a recognized expert in wireless sensor networks, offering clear, authoritative, and practical advice throughout the book.
• Beginner-friendly approach: The book is designed for readers without technical backgrounds, providing foundational knowledge and gradually introducing more complex topics.
• Broad applicability: Whether your goal is home automation, interactive art, or large-scale sensor networks, the book equips you with the skills and tools to succeed.
• Future-proof learning: It introduces advanced ZigBee features and trends, preparing readers for ongoing developments in wireless networking.

What are the key takeaways from Building Wireless Sensor Networks by Robert Faludi?

• Hands-on learning is essential: The book emphasizes building and experimenting with real projects to gain practical skills in wireless networking.
• Understanding ZigBee mesh networking: Readers learn the structure, advantages, and configuration of ZigBee mesh networks, including device roles and routing.
• Power management matters: The book covers sleep modes and energy-saving techniques crucial for battery-powered sensor nodes.
• Integration with the Internet: It demonstrates how to connect sensor networks to the web, enabling remote monitoring and data sharing.

What are the main components and tools recommended in Building Wireless Sensor Networks for beginners?

• XBee Series 2 ZigBee radios: The book recommends Digi’s XBee Series 2 radios for their mesh networking capabilities and beginner-friendly setup.
• Adapters and breakout boards: Essential hardware includes USB adapters like the SparkFun XBee Explorer and breadboard-compatible breakout boards for easy prototyping.
• Software tools: Digi’s X-CTU (for Windows) is used for firmware updates and configuration, while terminal programs like CoolTerm and Tera Term facilitate communication.
• Arduino and Processing: Arduino boards add local logic and I/O, while Processing is used for visualizing sensor data on a computer.

How does Building Wireless Sensor Networks by Robert Faludi explain the ZigBee protocol and its network structure?

• Layered protocol overview: ZigBee builds on IEEE 802.15.4, adding mesh networking, routing, and self-healing capabilities.
• Device roles: Every ZigBee network includes a coordinator (network manager), routers (message relays), and end devices (sensors/actuators that don’t relay messages).
• Network topologies: The book covers pair, star, mesh, and cluster tree topologies, with mesh networks offering the most flexibility and robustness.
• Protocol stack details: Advanced sections explain the PHY, MAC, Network, APS, and ZDO layers, as well as application profiles and clusters.

What is the difference between XBee Series 1 and Series 2 radios according to Robert Faludi?

• Hardware and protocol: Series 1 uses a Freescale chipset and supports simple 802.15.4 networks, while Series 2 uses an Ember chipset and supports full ZigBee mesh networking.
• Interoperability: Series 1 and Series 2 radios are not compatible; networks must use only one series.
• Feature comparison: Series 2 radios offer better range, lower power consumption, and more digital I/O pins, but lack analog or PWM outputs.
• Use case guidance: Series 1 is for simple, small systems; Series 2 is essential for robust, scalable sensor networks and is the book’s focus.

How does Building Wireless Sensor Networks by Robert Faludi guide readers in configuring and using XBee radios?

• Firmware roles and modes: The book explains how to load coordinator, router, or end device firmware and operate radios in AT (transparent) or API mode.
• AT command configuration: Readers learn to enter command mode, use AT commands to set parameters like PAN ID and I/O pin modes, and save configurations.
• Serial terminal usage: Step-by-step instructions are provided for using terminal programs to communicate with and configure XBee radios.
• Practical troubleshooting: The book offers tips for common setup issues and best practices for reliable communication.

What is API mode in XBee radios, and why does Robert Faludi recommend it?

• Structured communication: API mode sends and receives data in well-defined frames, enabling robust and unambiguous communication.
• Advanced features: It allows dynamic addressing, error checking, transmission status reports, and remote configuration.
• Essential for scalability: API mode is crucial for building scalable sensor networks and advanced applications requiring reliability and control.
• Frame parsing: The book explains how to interpret different API frame types, such as AT commands, transmit requests, and I/O data samples.

How does Building Wireless Sensor Networks by Robert Faludi address sensor input and output with XBee radios?

• Direct I/O capabilities: XBee Series 2 radios can handle digital and analog inputs and digital outputs without an external microcontroller for simple tasks.
• Limitations: The radios have limited I/O pins, no analog output, and no local logic, so complex processing requires an Arduino or similar microcontroller.
• Configuration details: The book provides AT commands for setting pin modes, sample rates, and pull-up resistors, and explains how to interpret I/O data in API mode.
• Project integration: Readers learn to combine XBee I/O with Arduino for more advanced sensing and actuation.

What practical projects does Building Wireless Sensor Networks by Robert Faludi include, and what do they teach?

• Wireless doorbell: Teaches basic wireless communication, input/output handling, and Arduino programming.
• Romantic lighting sensor: Demonstrates sensor data collection, wireless transmission, and feedback using a photoresistor and LED indicator.
• Simple sensor network: Guides readers through building a mesh network of temperature sensors with real-time data visualization in Processing.
• Direct actuation and Internet projects: Includes controlling appliances via relays and creating Internet-connected applications like a Twitter Reader.

How does Building Wireless Sensor Networks by Robert Faludi explain power management and sleep modes in ZigBee networks?

• Importance of power saving: The book emphasizes sleep modes for extending battery life in sensor nodes, sometimes from hours to years.
• Sleep mode types: It details four main sleep modes for XBee end devices, balancing power savings with wake-up latency and control complexity.
• AT command configuration: Six key AT commands (SM, SN, SP, ST, SO, WH) are explained for setting sleep behavior and timing.
• Practical trade-offs: The book discusses message buffering, parent device requirements, and limitations of sleeping end devices.

How does Building Wireless Sensor Networks by Robert Faludi guide readers in connecting ZigBee sensor networks to the Internet?

• Gateway concepts: The book explains how gateways bridge ZigBee networks to the Internet, using devices like Digi ConnectPort or embedded modules.
• XBee Internet Gateway (XIG): XIG is a Python program that allows ZigBee radios to send URLs and receive web content, simplifying Internet access for sensor networks.
• Step-by-step setup: Readers are guided through installing and configuring XIG, testing connectivity, and integrating with web services.
• Data sharing platforms: The book introduces Pachube (now Xively) for uploading, storing, and sharing sensor data online, with example code for integration.