Advantages / Disadvantages Of Sensor Networks

Advantages

• Sensors networks allow a system to be extended from one with basic functions to one that can receive and act on data about the environment it operates in.

• Sensors such as PIR detectors are relatively cheap if using wired versions.

Disadvantages

• Users need to decide carefully if they wish to be monitored 24 hours a day by a computer system. Many will not feel comfortable being in this situation, as there seems to be a lot of distrust of technology - especially among older people.

• A Sensor Network may require a lot of additional wiring to be installed around the house to allow sensors to work - unless the sensors used are wireless. Using wireless makes sensor devices much more expensive. Retrofitting an existing home rather than a new build could cause a lot of upheaval for the period of the installation.