Performance study of virtual fencing using wireless sensing network

Abstract

This project report presents the experiments and performance analysis of virtual fence unit consists of microwave motion detector and IEEE 802.15.4 wireless sensor network for maximum sensing range. In particular, the analysis is focusing on the maximum sensing range of virtual fence unit in terms of azimuth angle, elevation angle, height, sensitivity level for indoor and outdoor implementation. The WSN platform is developed using Octopus II sensor nodes while the microwave motion detector is HB100 which detect movement using Doppler effect. Results show the maximum sensing range is maximum at 0º angle in both azimuth and elevation. The maximum sensing range of virtual fence unit is decreasing as azimuth angle increasing. For elevation angle, a significant increment of maximum sensing range at 45º and 60º elevation angle in downwards direction compared to 45º and 60º elevation angle in upwards direction is observed. With high sensitivity level of virtual fence unit, the maximum sensing range of virtual fence unit is larger than the maximum sensing range of virtual fence unit at normal sensitivity level. However, high sensitivity level will not further increase the maximum sensing range if the virtual fence unit has reached its maximum sensing range. Results also show virtual fence unit behaves differently in indoor and outdoor environment and the virtual fence unit has longer maximum sensing range in indoor environment than outdoor environment.