The objective of the SASNet project is to define and demonstrate an intelligent sensor surveillance system for military operation, border control and public safety operations. Recent advances in computing and communication have caused a significant shift in sensor network research and have lead to small multi-functional wireless sensors that integrate sensing, data processing and communicating components and leverage the idea of sensor networks. Sensor networks represent a significant improvement over traditional sensors. The sensors collaborate in performing sensing tasks and improve detection and tracking performance through multiple observations, geometric diversity, extended detection range and faster response time. The sensors form an ad hoc network to deliver aggregate information from geographically diverse areas. The ad hoc features of a sensor network are essential in providing interconnection between the sensors and devices in areas with no pre-existing communication infrastructure. The sensors must coordinate to establish a communication network, divide the task of mapping and monitoring the terrain in an energy efficient manner, adapt their overall sensing accuracy to the available resources and re-organize upon sensor failure. SASNet will apply recent technological developments in wireless, ad-hoc networks, sensors, fusion, information processing, localization and networking.

Networking Aspects:

1. Efficient energy-aware routing protocols need to be developed to optimize the service lifetime of the sensor network
2. Network auto-configuration and formation.
3. Localization techniques need to be developed to enable sensors to associate events with time and location of occurrence.
4. Authentication techniques are required to prevent intruders from deploying sensors that would jeopardize the overall system.
5. Reliable Transport protocol to ensure that crucial information does not get lost