Abstract: A sensor module for use in a sensor network is described. The sensor module carries one or more sensor element, such as microphones or imaging devices, for detecting events in use. The sensor module has a locator for determining its location and preferably an orientation sensor for determining it location and a transceiver for communicating with other modules in the network or with a base station. The module also has a processor which is adapted such that, in use, the module communicates with other sensor modules and determines whether to operate in a sensing mode to detect events or a controlling mode. In this way a self organizing adaptive network is provided. The invention is particularly useful for rapid area deployment resulting in random placement such as by gun launch or air drop as once all the modules are deployed the network will work out which modules should act as sensor nodes and which should act as controlling nodes so as to maximise network efficiency.