Improving users' manipulation and control on WSNs through collaborative sessions

The resource limitations of wireless sensor nodes foster the collaborative nature of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Thus, in this paper, we propose a generic model that represents the collaboration relationships that can be established in a WSN, and its implementation. To accomplish this, we approach the different types of collaboration that may occur in any WSN. As a result, we propose a collaboration hierarchy for WSNs. Furthermore, we present the WISE-MANager tool, which is a collaborative sessions’ management tool that allows bringing these concepts into practice. The establishment of collaborative sessions, using a test-bed composed by ZigBee-based sensor nodes allows demonstrating that the WISE-MANager tool optimises the WSN’s operation and increases the interaction between the user and the network.