Sensor network has experienced world-wide explosive interests in recent years. It combines the technology of modern microelectronic sensors, embedded computational processing systems, and modern computer and wireless networking methodologies. In this overview paper, we first provide some rationales for the growth of sensor networking. Then we discuss various basic concepts and hardware issues. Four basic application cases in the US. National Science Foundation funded Ceneter for Embedded Networked Sensing program at UCLA are presented. Finally, six challenging issues in sensor networks are discussed. Numerous references including relevant papers, books, and conferences that have appeared in recent years are given. It combines the technology of modern microelectronic sensors, embedded computational processing systems, and modern computer and wireless networking methodologies. In this overview paper, we first provide some rationales for the growth of sensor networking. Then we discuss various basic concepts and hardware issues. Four basic application cases in the US. National Science Foundation funded Ceneter for Embedded Networked Sensing program at UCLA are presented. Finally, six challenging issues in sensor networks are discussed. Numerous references including relevant papers, books, and conferences that have appeared in recent years are given.