Quality- and energy-aware data compression by aggregation in WSN data streams

Abstract

Sensor networks consist of autonomous devices that cooperatively monitor an environment. Sensors are equipped with capabilities to store information in memory, process information and communicate with neighbors and with a base station. However, due to the sensors' size, their associated resources are limited. In such a context, the main cause of energy dissipation is the use of the wireless link. Solutions that minimize communication are needed. In this paper a framework to manage efficiently data streams is presented. The proposed approach aims at saving energy by capturing signals and compress them instead of sending them in raw form. The algorithm also guarantees that the compressed representation satisfies quality requirements specified in terms of accuracy, precision, and timeliness.