In-Network Outlier Detection in Wireless Sensor Networks

To address the problem of unsupervised outlier detection in wireless sensor networks, we develop an algorithm that (1) is flexible with respect to the outlier definition, (2) works in-network with a communication load proportional to the outcome, and (3) reveals its outcome to all sensors. We examine the algorithm’s performance using simulation with real sensor data streams. Our results demonstrate that the algorithm is accurate and imposes a reasonable communication load and level of power consumption.