Real-Time Remote Monitoring with Wireless Sensors

If remote sensors are to be autonomous and report their data in real time, they must have a reliable power source and a stable Ethernet connection. The United States Geological Survey (USGS), for example, monitors water conditions with a nationwide array of automated sensors, and uses their data to update the USGS Web site with the latest information. Many of these sensors must function in locations where there is no access to the power grid and no Internet infrastructure, and where regular human interaction with the sensor installation would be impractical.