Optimization of integrated antennas for wireless sensor networks

Sensor networks constitute a field of research which combines many challenges of modern computer science, wireless communication and mobile computing. The resource limitations of a sensor network, especially in terms of energy, require an integrated approach for the different layers of communication. In particular, this work aims to present an overview of the benefits and of the most recent advances in antenna technologies, investigating the possibility of integrating these solutions in a large distributed wireless sensor network for the extensive monitoring of the natural environment. An integrated design technique of the wireless device, built with printed patches on a dielectric substrates is here presented.