The collection channel in a Wireless Sensor Network

Abstract

We define the collection channel in a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) and show how this collection channel can be used in the proofs of new types of coding theorems for WSNs. These coding theorems differ from traditional coding theorems in that they are used to describe aspects of the WSN other than source and channel codes. We also determine the capacity of the collection channel. This capacity is complementary to the transport capacity of a communication system and represents the WNS's ability to obtain information about a phenomenon that it is sensing.