Internet of Things (IoT) sensor networks are an emerging technology at the center of the datafication and optimization of far-reaching environmental infrastructures—from “smart cities” to workplace efficiencies. However, this low-power, low-cost technology is also well suited to local deployments in rural communities, which are often overlooked by digital development initiatives. Therefore, we used a social construction of technology approach to study how various U.S.-based IoT stakeholders—including designers and advocates as well as citizen stakeholders—understand and value sensor network technologies. Through observational methods, in-depth interviews, and participatory design research in a rural Upstate New York municipality, we worked to design sensor networks with rural community members to generate data about and for community members to further local knowledge. We found that designing rural sensor networks requires stakeholders to navigate obstacles of communication about sensors and communication through sensors to facilitate secure, ethical, and localized sensing in rural communities.

中文翻译：

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关于传感器的通信和通过传感器进行的通信：在农村社区本地化物联网

物联网 (IoT) 传感器网络是一项新兴技术，处于数据化和影响深远的环境基础设施优化（从“智慧城市”到工作场所效率）的中心。然而，这种低功耗、低成本的技术也非常适合农村社区的本地部署，而这些社区往往被数字发展计划所忽视。因此，我们使用技术的社会构建方法来研究美国的各种物联网利益相关者（包括设计者和倡导者以及公民利益相关者）如何理解和评价传感器网络技术。通过观察方法、深入访谈和纽约州北部乡村市的参与式设计研究，我们与农村社区成员一起设计传感器网络，生成有关社区成员的数据，并为社区成员提供进一步的当地知识。我们发现，设计农村传感器网络需要利益相关者克服传感器通信和通过传感器进行通信的障碍，以促进农村社区的安全、道德和本地化传感。