Ad-hoc network implementation and experimental testing using low cost and COTS components: An ecuatorian case study

In developing countries like Ecuador, the farmers don´t have access to the technology needed to increase field production or reduce the water and energy waste typical of old farming methods. This paper presents the implementation of a low cost smart irrigation system that uses a modified wireless sensor network to provide the technology tools to those farmers in developing countries willing to change their method of production. Most of the system parts were designed, manufactured and integrated with low and local components minimizing the use of expensive imported parts in order to reduce the implementation cost and create new work opportunities. This project was focused in the substitution of components, hardware integration, protocol selection and modification, design for easy and non-specialized worker assembly.