To short-range wireless networks

A coordinator in a wireless sensor network of devices including a sensor and the coordinator, wherein the coordinator comprises

• reception means operable to receive value information from the sensor as to the detected values of a parameter;
• determining means operable to determine a suitable sleep pattern for the sensor taking into account the value information;
• and
• transmission means operable to transmit an indication of the suitable sleep pattern.

A sensor in a wireless sensor network of devices including the sensor and a coordinator, the sensor comprising:

• sensing means operable to detect values of a parameter;
• sensor control means operable to control a sleep pattern of the sensor;
• transmission means operable to transmit value information as to the parameter values;
• and
• reception means operable to receive an indication of a suitable sensor sleep pattern determined taking into account the value information;
• wherein
• the sensor control means control the sleep pattern of the sensor taking the suitable sensor sleep pattern into account.

A central monitoring unit, which is in wired or wireless communication with a wireless sensor network of devices including a sensor and a coordinator:

• the sensor comprising sensing means operable to detect values of a parameter;
• transmission and reception means for wireless communication with other devices in the network;
• and sensor control means operable to control a sleep pattern of the sensor;
• and
• the coordinator comprising transmission and reception means for wireless communication with other devices in the network;
• wherein in use
• the sensor transmission means is operable to transmit value information as to the parameter values and the coordinator transmission means is operable to transmit an indication of a suitable sensor sleep pattern taking into account the value information;
• the central monitoring unit comprising:
• determining means operable to determine a suitable sleep pattern for the sensor taking the value information into account, and communication means operable to send an indication of the suitable sleep pattern to a device of the network.