A Heterogeneous Sensor and Actuator Network Architecture for Ambient Intelligence

One of the most important characteristics of a typical ambient intelligence scenario is the presence of a number of sensors and actuators that capture information about user preferences and activities. Such nodes, i.e., sensors and actuators, are often based on different technologies so that types of networks which are typically different coexist in a real system, for example, in a home or a building. In this chapter we present a heterogeneous sensor and actuator network architecture designed to separate network management issues from higher, intelligent layers. The effectiveness of the solution proposed here was evaluated using an experimental scenario involving the monitoring of an office environment.