Sensor Networks Modeling and Simulation in Ptolemy II

With the use of micro sensors on the rise in technologies today a need for a better understanding of the interactions of such sensors is crucial. Many challenges arise when trying to model and simulate networks of these sensors (also called sensor networks). Sensors have various capabilities and constraints that provide this difficulty. A complete model of a sensor network is needed to improve upon its efficiency and design. Using a modeling and simulation tool called Ptolemy models of these networks can be better constructed. The research done in this paper will discuss the implementation and creation of a sensor node in Ptolemy. In the Ptolemy analyses of a sensor network, several factors affecting a network are realized such as battery life and signal range of the device. Along with modeling factors that can negatively affect the usefulness of the sensor, simulations of sensor nodes with extended sensing capabilities are also supported. Such capabilities include a seismic/sound detection and location algorithm along with data handling methods in the sensor network. Many applications are possible as we learn more about wireless communication in a sensor network environment.