Self-organization in sensor networks

In an effort to better guide research into self-configuring wireless sensor networks, we discuss a technical definition of the term self-organization. We define a self-organizing system as one where a collection of units coordinate with each other to form a system that adapts to achieve a goal more efficiently. We then lay out some conditions that must hold for a system to meet this definition and discuss some examples of self-organizing systems. Finally, we explore some of the ways this definition applies to wireless sensor networks. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.