A novel, wireless sensor/actuator network for the factory floor

One of the most promising technologies for tomorrow's sensor networks are wireless approaches. Mesh networks using ad-hoc concepts are very popular, but have the drawback that real-time constraints cannot easily be fulfilled, because data transmission times are not fully deterministic. On the other hand, infrastructure networks based on central access points are limited in their range. For time-critical applications in automation environments, novel wireless sensor/actuator network approaches are desired which are able to support real-time data transmission without being restricted to single access point do mains. This paper presents such an approach, addressing particular problems like clock synchronization and localization for support of seamless handover and real-time guarantees at the example of WLAN technology.