Modeling and improving named data networking over IEEE 802.15.4

Abstract

Named Data Networking (NDN) is a promising architecture that aims to natively satisfy emerging applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT). Therefore, enabling NDN in real-world IoT deployments is becoming essential in order to benefit from Information Centric Networking (ICN) features. To design realistic NDN-based communication solutions for IoT, revisiting mainstream technologies such as low-power wireless standards may be the key. In this paper, we explore NDN forwarding over IEEE 802.15.4 following two steps. First, we mathematically model a broadcast-based forwarding strategy for NDN over constrained networks with the IEEE 802.15.4 technology in mind. The model estimates the number of frames transmitted and the mean round-trip time per request, under content popularity considerations. Second, based on mathematical and experimental observations of the broadcast-based forwarding at network level, we elaborate Named-Data Carrier-Sense Multiple Access (ND-CSMA), an adaptation of the Carrier-Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) algorithm used in IEEE 802.15.4. Results show that adaptations such as ND-CSMA may be reasonably envisioned to improve NDN efficiency with current IoT technologies.