Layer-component-based communication stack framework for wireless residential control systems
Rune Torbensen, Theis Solberg Hjorth · 2010
This paper describes methods to lower the entry barrier for creating products that interoperate in the emerging heterogeneous residential control network domain. For designing reconfigurable, layer-component-based communication stacks, a flexible framework is proposed that supports several types of nodes such as bridges, controllers, sensor/actuators - as well as secure communication between them. A special messaging system facilitates inter-component communication, and a Virtual Port Service protocol enables resource addressing. The end-devices in the heterogeneous network are made accessible on a common IP infrastructure, regardless of individual wireless technology. Legacy home automation devices are also supported. A prototype has been implemented on multiple resource-constrained hardware platforms, to demonstrate that the solution is both feasible for low-cost devices and portable. It has been shown how the framework facilitates fast prototyping and makes developing secure wireless control systems less complex.