Field test of multi-hop image sensing network prototype on a city-wide scale

Wireless multimedia sensor networks drastically stretch the horizon of traditional monitoring and surveillance systems. Most existing research has utilized Zigbee or WiFi as the communication technology. Both technologies use ultra-high frequencies (primarily 2.4 GHz) and suffer from a relatively short transmission range (i.e., 100 m line-of-sight). The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and potential of transmitting image information using RF modules with lower frequencies (e.g., 433 MHz) to achieve a larger-scale deployment as in a city scenario. The Arduino platform is used because of its low cost and simplicity. Details of hardware properties are provided in this article, and we investigate optimum configurations for the system. After achieving an initial range test transmission distance of more than 2000 m line-of-sight, the prototype network is installed in a real life city plot for further examination of performance. A range of suitable applications is proposed and suggestions for future research are provided.