Embedded Systems in a Mobile Distributed IP Network

Abstract

This paper describes an approach to the internetworking of mobile IP sensor nodes in a converged network environment. This preliminary investigation of sensory network models is driven by a joint applied research project between ITB and Teagasc (Grange) which seeks to establish the feasibility of the real-time remote monitoring of animal welfare while in transit between Ireland, Europe and the Middle East. The paper examines traditional system architectures, messaging paradigms and protocols with a view to establishing how the trend towards convergence in telecommunications and the emergence of new Internet Protocols could support the creation of new modes of operation for sensory networks. Introduction Traditional sensor network have applied centralized static models to intercommunication between relatively unintelligent sensor nodes and intelligent management stations. Recent trends are making it increasingly feasible to move away from a centralized model to a more distributed one to a point where a mobile sensor network could conceivably be modeled as ad hoc network of autonomous nodes. The impact of Moore’s Law has led to the concentration of greater processing power, memory and storage (and consequently increased levels of intelligence) on small devices. Traditional switched and mobile networks are now converging around the TCP/IP model and Internet protocols are providing a means of rapidly deploying new applications and services across this converged space. IP enables the internetworking of disparate network nodes by providing a standardized addressing scheme and path determination. Higher layer protocols can provide reliability, signaling and quality of service support. One potential outcome of these trends is the repartitioning of capabilities and responsibilities within a sensory network to a more distributed model as intelligence spreads outwards from the centre to the edge of the network. Sensory nodes can now be independent computing platforms capable of peer-topeer communication and of interacting with interim network nodes in order to provide previously unavailable services. Non-heterogenous nodes could inter-operate across a global inter-network and interact as single nodes or as logical groups. The Java language provides a platform independent application development environment and network operating system for code mobility. It increasingly provides frameworks and APIs for internet protocol implementation and telecommunications and internetworking support. Although limitations still exist in the intelligent services supported across the Internet, new protocols are services are emerging to address these shortcomings. This paper seeks to analyse the potential impact of these developments on sensor network embedded systems architectures, messaging paradigms (we will use the term messaging to include messages for carrying either data or control signals), modes of operation and supporting protocols. We will then briefly apply the analysis to the creation of a simple messaging service which could be used for sensory network communication. Issue Number 8, December 2003 Page 92