A dichotomy exists in structural monitoring installations: those with sensors tethered to the data repository with wires, and those which use wireless communication to create a distributed network of sensors. This chapter discusses the impact of the paradigm shift from the wired monitoring systems traditionally used, to the wireless systems recently developed. This new technology is capable of achieving effective measurements on par with its predecessor, and introduces new possibilities of large-scale networks of hundreds of sensors made possible by low installation costs and scalable in-network data processing. Design and selection considerations covered in this chapter include network architecture, wireless node hardware, and distributed embedded software. Although rapidly maturing and reaching commercialization, research opportunities still exist in the fi elds of data and power management, which are discussed as the chapter culminates.