Multiple challenges need to be surmounted in the development of low power wireless networks such as choice of topology, hardware architecture choices, antenna radiation pattern, interference mitigation, and many others. One particular challenge is the validation of battery life. This session will cover many of these issues and how they were addressed. Focus will also be given to battery life validation.
A broad array of tools exist to assist in developing these systems. These range from evaluation kits, network stacks, network sniffers, ultra-low current recording systems, etc. In our case, the cost of some of these tools was prohibitive, which lead to the "home brewing" of a tool which significantly assisted in the validation of system performance.
Several hidden pitfalls exist in the development of low power wireless systems. This talk will also highlight some of the more crucial challenges and practical solutions are offered to surmounting them.