Experimental evaluation of multi-PHY 6TiSCH networks

Abstract

The architectural design of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications requires the careful planning and selection of an appropriate operational strategy. Harmonization of standards is crucial to ensure easier certification and commercialization of IIoT solutions. The ongoing research activities are directed toward designing agile, reliable, and secure transmission technologies and protocols. Recently, Time Slotted Channel Hopping (TSCH) standardization bodies have started to consider support for multiple physical layers thus accommodating a wide range of applications. This paper presents the results of the extensive experimental measurement campaign to study the performance of the 6TiSCH (IPv6 over the TSCH mode of IEEE 802.15.4e) network while supporting multiple physical layers (PHYs). For measurement purposes, all experiments were performed on OpenMote-B hardware. These devices are equipped with an Atmel AT86RF215 dual radio transceiver implementing IEEE 802.15.4g. The performance evaluation is provided for the following metrics: network formation time, Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), latency, and duty cycle. Results are encouraging, particularly in terms of high PDR for all tested PHYs. Performance evaluation indicates the importance of proper node positioning, link quality estimation and careful selection of network parameters. Moreover, collected experimental results create a dataset that provides insights into the tested PHYs' performance and their potential for indoor 6TiSCH networking.