Applications of wireless sensor networks for urban areas: A survey

•We have performed a comprehensive study of wireless sensor networks׳ deployment in urban areas.•We have discussed the merits and demerits of WSN architectures in urban environments.•We have discussed the wireless sensor based solutions already deployed by researchers that are optimal for urban environments.

As new wireless technologies become more and more advance so does their expanse of applications. Among other new and innovative wireless networks, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have emerged as highly flexible and dynamic facets that are being deployed in almost every type of environment whether it is rural, suburban or urban in nature. The most adaptive and innovative research avenues are being considered in an urban environment, where WSN deployment is especially demanding due to its harsh and perverse channel conditions. We have chosen WSN deployment in an urban environment as linchpin of our research. As each application scenario is different from the other, therefore WSN solution for each application has to be adaptive and innovative. We have discussed each application of WSNs in urban areas in detail with all the problems related to it and in the end, technical solution to those problems has been discussed.

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