A survey on time synchronization in wireless sensor networks

PhD Qualifying Examination


Title: "A survey on time synchronization in wireless sensor networks"

by

Miss Xiaoxu Li


Abstract:

In recent years, tremendous technological advances in micro-electromechanical 
(MEMS) technology have led to the development of small, low-cost, low-power 
sensors. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are large-scale networks of such 
sensors, each capable of limited computing, sensing, and wireless communication 
abilities, dedicated to observing and monitoring various aspects of the 
physical world. The main functionality of such networks is data fusion, which 
is triggered by collected and agglomerated data from each sensor to form a 
meaningful result. In this process, time synchronization between sensors comes 
as a first-class citizen. It is significant in composing a temporal meaning 
result. This paper surveys and evaluates existing clock synchronization 
protocols based on a group of factors like precision, accuracy, cost, and 
complexity. Different approaches solve the problem in different perspectives, 
including energy consuming, network-wide synchronization, internal or external 
synchronization signals, etc. Also, by comparing diverse methods and design 
considerations of each protocol, the survey gives a brief summary on how to 
choose an existing time synchronization protocol or define a new suitable one 
for the specific needs of a wireless sensor network application. Finally, the 
survey provides suggestions in future directions in time synchronization.


Date:                   Monday, 6 February 2012

Time:                   2:30pm - 4:30pm

Venue:                  Room 3402
                        Lifts 17/18

Committee Members:	Dr. Yunhao Liu (Supervisor)
                        Prof. Lionel Ni (Chairperson)
 			Dr. Lei Chen
 			Dr. Ke Yi


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