Infrastructure requirements for metrological distributed sensor networks

Distributed sensor networks (DSNs) are increasingly being deployed in various systems, indicating a more active implementation of digitalisation in the field of metrology. DSNs bring a wide range of benefits in the management of processes, where we are now looking not only at real-time monitoring, but also at advanced process optimization based on efficiently acquired data, support in the creation of digital twins, the prediction of future states such as calibration or service maintenance, the usage of artificial intelligence, and much more. For DSNs to operate efficiently and reliably, it is essential to properly establish the network infrastructure and identify the associated requirements at the design phase, including metrological aspects. This paper proposes a structured set of infrastructure requirements and metrological design guidelines that enable long-term reliability, traceability, and data quality in DSNs, and discusses practical approaches to sensor architecture, network topology, calibration strategies, and QA/QC (Quality Assurance/ Quality Control) planning tailored to metrological applications.