Exploiting protocol models for generating feasible communication stack configurations
Marco Zimmerling, Federico Ferrari, Matthias Woehrle, Lothar Thiele · 2010
Communication stacks are composed of distinct layers that, in principle, operate independently and interact through well-defined interfaces. However, resource constraints in sensor networks typically necessitate optimizations, leading to implicit assumptions and dependencies among layers (e.g., a collection protocol assumes the MAC protocol provides sufficient bandwidth). These dependencies are often tracked manually, yet become extremely complex as protocols evolve and requirements change. We propose to model assumptions and dependencies explicitly, as constraints on protocol parameters. This allows for using standard tools to generate feasible protocol configurations. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach using the example of FTSP running on top of a low-power listening MAC protocol.