Polling is a technique used to monitor devices, ensuring they are ready to transmit or process data. It involves sequentially checking connected devices to determine their status and whether they require servicing.
For instance, in a multipoint communication system, multiple devices share a common communication line, while a central controller manages interactions.
The controller sends messages to each device one by one, inquiring whether they need to communicate. If a device requires attention, it signals its readiness through a command read bit. The interval between successive checks is called the polling cycle, which varies based on the response speed of connected devices. Faster responses shorten the polling cycle, whereas slower responses extend it.
Polling plays a crucial role in managing network operations, particularly in resource allocation within multitasking systems. It helps determine which network nodes require access, ensuring an efficient distribution of resources (Letswamotse, 2018).
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) and Polling
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) consist of interconnected sensors that gather environmental data such as temperature, pressure, and light. These sensors convert physical stimuli into electrical signals, which are transmitted to a central controller for further processing.
For example, in an environmental monitoring system, a temperature sensor detects variations and sends an electrical signal to the controller. The controller may periodically send polling messages to all sensors, checking their status and readiness to transmit data. If a sensor is ready, it sends an acknowledgment, initiating data transmission.
The Role of Sequential Programming in Wireless Sensor Networks
A sequential programming model executes tasks in a defined order—one task must complete before the next begins (Grossman, 2011). Consider three tasks, Task A, Task B, and Task C, arriving in sequence. In a sequential model, they execute strictly in this order, ensuring structured task execution.
In the context of Wireless Sensor Networks, sequential programming ensures that sensor data is received and processed in a logical order. This can be beneficial, especially in applications requiring step-by-step execution.
Application Example: Temperature-Based Control System
Consider a temperature monitoring application in a Wireless Sensor Network. The system needs to detect temperature changes and trigger actions accordingly:
- A temperature sensor continuously monitors environmental conditions.
- Once a threshold temperature is reached, the sensor transmits data to the controller.
- The controller processes the information and activates predefined actions, such as turning on a cooling system.
Since these steps must occur in a specific order, sequential programming is an ideal choice. It ensures that each action follows logically, preventing miscommunication and ensuring smooth operations.
Conclusion
A sequential programming model is well-suited for Wireless Sensor Networks, particularly in applications requiring structured data processing. By ensuring that sensor inputs and corresponding actions follow a specific sequence, sequential programming enhances reliability and system efficiency.
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References
Grossman, D. (2011). A sophomoric introduction to shared-memory parallelism and concurrency. Lecture notes, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, AC101 Paul G. Allen Center, Box, 352350(185), 98195-2350.
Letswamotse, B. B. (2018). Software Defined Networking Based Resource Management and Quality of Service Support in Wireless Sensor Network Applications. University of Pretoria (South Africa).