Project Objective:
Wireless ad hoc sensor networks have the potential of transforming communications in large-scale mobile workplaces. They promise ease of deployment, dynamic configuration, swift exchange of information, and real-time access to databases and other remote resources. When coupled with RFID tags and wireless motes (also called wireless sensors), they have the possibility of becoming proactive networks; that is, computer networks that not only collect and disseminate information, but organize and process the data they carry.
Recent advances in the fields of wireless communication and low-power electronics have made possible the development of wireless ad hoc sensor networks. Research and development into these networks is thriving, and, although it is by no means a mature technology, there is little doubt that these networks will soon become available and be deployed in a variety of business domains.
In many ways, wireless ad hoc sensor networks are ideally suited to the domain of seaport operations and goods movement. For example, motes that sense global position, temperature, or light–level can be embedded in shipping containers (much like RFID tags) as they travel from ships through the ports to distribution centers and beyond. Each of these motes can join the ad hoc wireless network in its own vicinity, thus communicating with the motes in other containers in a peer-to-peer fashion. In turn, these ad hoc wireless networks can connect via gateways to other ad hoc wireless networks or other wired computer networks to form large heterogeneous networks. The data provided by these networks can then be used to provide valuable input to the management of supply chain logistics.
Task Descriptions
To meet our objective, we propose a three-pronged approach:
(1) Applications: We will identify possible applications for wireless ad hoc sensor network usage within the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. We will investigate current usage of RFID, and gather information on plans for further technological expansion.
(2) Evaluation: We will examine currently available wireless ad hoc sensor network products and technologies. This review will focus on the technological maturity, standards compliance, and interoperability of the products. We will next select one product-line, and build a wireless ad hoc sensor network testbed using the currently available products. Using this testbed, we will be able to perform a more detailed evaluation of the state-of-the-art in sensor network technology, including its feasibility for use in the applications identified in (1), and the security issues defined in (3).
(3) Security: Security is obviously of primary concern Post-9/11. We will investigate the current level of security in wireless ad hoc sensor networks, and whether these levels meet the standards required by the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. We will also look at existing wireless security standards, the level of security they provide, and the plans for their incorporation into currently available products.
The creation of a wireless ad hoc sensor network testbed is a key component of the Evaluation (Part 2) of our research. This testbed will be implemented using multiple, off-the-shelf wireless motes with sensor capabilities, and one or more wireless sensor network gateways. These gateways have the ability to attach the sensor network(s) to existing IP networks. This will allow us to examine heterogeneous network performance. Fortunately, for this task, we have access to the Computer Engineering and Computer Science Department's Networking Interoperability Laboratory. Originally founded in Spring 2001, through a generous donation of more than $150,000 from the ALCATEL Corporation, the lab has just undergone an extensive $40,000 upgrade. Under, the direction of Dr. Maples, the laboratory is used to provide students – both undergraduate and graduate – with a hands-on environment for the study of networking. This research grant would provide an excellent opportunity for graduate student involvement in the study of a wireless ad hoc sensor network test-bed.
Milestones, Dates:
June 1, 2007 – May 31, 2008
Total Budget:
$39,997
Student Involvement:
One student at 25% effort, 11 months
Relationship to Other Research Projects:
Related to 04-08; part of the infrastructure focus area
Technology Transfer Activities:
Project report posted on the website
Potential Benefits of the Project:
Enhanced development and application of wireless ad hoc sensor networks in seaport operations and goods movement
TRB Keywords:
RFID, sensors, seaport operations, goods movement, Los Angeles, Long Beach, wireless communication
