An UPnP-based context-aware framework for ubiquitous mesh home networks

Abstract

Wireless mesh networks are an appropriate solution for broadband home networks in order to establish a ubiquitous environment. One of the main challenges in ubiquitous networks is context-awareness and personalized service discovery. Many service discovery protocols have been proposed in the literature. The most significant is the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) technology, based on the Simple Service Discovery Protocol (SSDP) and targeted for home network environment. However, the UPnP technology has some drawbacks and particularly does not consider user context. In this paper we present a framework that provides an extension for the UPnP architecture and employs context-aware concepts to achieve service discovery continuity in evolving environments where devices may move inside the home and change their point of attachment within the wireless mesh network. This extension is carefully designed for wireless mesh controllers, and is compatible with the existing UPnP framework. It keeps the process of service discovery as simple and automatic as possible.