Energy Efficient and Scalable Wireless Sensor Networks for Industrial Areas Using OpenThread

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are a critical part of the Internet of Things (IoT) and offer real-time data sensing and processing. However, traditional technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, and Zigbee have limitations such as connectivity issues, high power consumption, and limited self-healing mechanisms. This paper introduces a WSN that leverages OpenThread, an open-source implementation of the thread communication protocol, to overcome these challenges in industrial environments. The proposed system maximizes battery life and supports device density with robust communications while minimizing cabling. Experimental results show that the system successfully meets Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) even under dense network conditions. The study shows that WSN utilizing OpenThread is effective for realizing asset localization, anomaly detection, and industrial environment monitoring use cases by supporting long-term operation on battery power and integration with energy harvesting. As a result, Open Thread-based WSN offers a suitable solution for industrial IoT applications that increases worker safety and operational efficiency by providing robust, low-power and easily expandable network features. The results obtained highlight the potential of OpenThread in industrial environments, paving the way for further research and applications.