Researchers in the field of wireless networks heavily rely on simulations to evaluate the performance of the communication and networking algorithms (e.g., routing protocol, multiple access protocols, localization techniques, etc.).

The goal of this workshop is to provide an up-to-date overview of the main simulation approaches to evaluate the performance of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), an emerging (emerged) paradigm for future wireless networks. The proposed workshop will be organized in three panels.

A first panel is dedicated to the definition of evaluation metrics for simulation of sensor networks. Its emphasis is on system modelling (e.g., wireless channel modelling), the definition of general and meaningful performance metrics, and the comparison between field validation and computer simulation. Our goal is to highlight the need for a common approach to the design of experiments, e.g., on the basis of a clear identification of the confidence bounds of some assumptions and t he systematic use of proper statistical techniques.
< font face="arial">The second panel is devoted to cross-layering aspects in the design and simulation of WSNs. More precisely, we want to offer to the WSN community a place to discuss how the cross-layering could be meaningfully evaluated by means of common performance metrics (e.g., multivariate analysis techniques, system modelling, long-range dependence, and control theory).

A final panel will focus on the emerging paradigm of cognitive sensor networking, which relies upon the use of cognitive radios technologies. The application of dynamic spectrum access communications to sensor networks is an open and challenging problem, as it involves techniques drawn from game theory, optimization theory, distributed detection, and network calculus.