Study of wireless sensor node functions for underwater monitoring sensor network

In the current study, we developed a wireless sensor network system to support the observational activities for preserving the coral reef environment. Our study aims to determine the required functions of a wireless sensor node for gathering information on underwater environmental conditions. For this purpose, a prototype sensor node for use in a practical experiment to clarify sensor node functions was developed. In this paper, the hardware configuration of a prototype wireless sensor node is described. The design of this prototype was based on our previous experiments and the comments of coral reef researchers. Moreover, we conducted practical field experiments to observe the coral reefs along the Okinawa coast by using the prototype. The results are described here. Finally, we discuss the experimental results and the required functions of the sensor node for the future research. © 2013 The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan.