| The medium used in wireless ad-hoc networks is radio waves. | The medium used in wireless sensor networks is radio waves, infrared, and optical media. |
| Application independent network is used. | The application-dependent network is used. |
| Hop-to-Hop routing takes place. | Query-based (data-centric routing) or location-based routing takes place. |
| It is heterogeneous in type. | It is homogeneous in type. |
| The traffic pattern is point-to-point. | The traffic pattern is any-to-any, many-to-one, many-to-few, and one-to-many. |
| Wireless router is used as an inter-connecting device. | Application level gateway is used as an interconnecting device. |
| The data rate is high. | The data rate is low. |
| Supports common services. | Supports specific applications. |
| Traffic triggering depends on application needs. | Triggered by sensing events. |
| IP address is used for addressing. | Local unique MAC address or spatial IP is used for addressing. |
| Network Type Peer-to-Peer | Network type Hierarchical or Mesh |
| Nodes Can be any wireless device | Nodes Limited to sensor nodes |
| Communication Range Variable depends on node placement | Communication Range Limited by the sensor node’s transmission power |
| Communication Range Standard network protocols (TCP/IP) | Communication Range Customized protocols for efficient data transfer and low energy consumption |
| Data Type General data (voice, video, files, etc.) | Data Type Sensor data (temperature, humidity, light, etc.) |
| Power Consumption Can be high due to constant communication | Power Consumption Designed to minimize energy consumption to extend network lifetime |
| Security Security protocols can be implemented | Security Security protocols are critical as sensor data can be sensitive |
| Applications General wireless communication | Applications Environmental monitoring, industrial automation, home automation, etc. |
| Deployment Can be deployed in any environment | Deployment Typically deployed in remote or hard-to-reach locations, such as forests, oceans, or industrial sites. |