Wireless, unattended sensor networks offer a superior monitoring capability with unparalleled flexibility. Traditional systems are typically restrictive in the rigidity of their positioning and topological design requirements. Ongoing research continues to expand the potential for the use of these un-tethered and autonomous systems ranging from the mundane, monitoring soil conditions for agricultural crops, to the extreme of military operations, providing valuable intelligence to commanders in a variety of battlespace conditions. This thesis investigated the use of this type of system in what may be the most hostile of environmental conditions from a wireless networking and communications point of view, the water. The network will be required to organize, establish and maintain itself in a variety of dynamic conditions in or on the water. Commercial off-the-shelf products developed by Crossbow Technologies were used in developing the wireless, unattended sensor network consisting of single and multiple nodes. Nodes were tested on a solid ground surface, on the surface of the water, below the surface of the water (not submerged), and fully submerged. The most significant findings were attained with regard to range. Other findings with regard to link quality, network formation, and network stability support results attained in previous research.
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