Feasibility and Performance Analysis of Sensor Modeling in OPNET

While being superior in modeling RF signals and network operations, current network simulation software lack fully functional sensor models that replicate a sensor's interaction with the environment. Due to the fact that the typical approach of modeling sensed data as random processes has obvious drawbacks, it is the goal of this work to investigate the feasibility and benefits of developing user-configurable sensor modules in OPNET. Using OPNET’s Wireless module, a thermal imaging sensor module is developed and examined. Results via simulation will demonstrate the benefits of utilizing the generated module in a sensor network environment.