A component-based approach to design and analysis of dependable MAC protocols for wireless sensor networks
Laurynas Riliskis, Evgeny Osipov, Wolfgang Birk · Diva portal (Dalarna University Library) · 2009
This article discusses a new methodology for the systematic composition of wireless sensor networks utilizing component-based modeling of MAC protocols. The methodology is intended for the use in applications that have a predefined topology and traffic pattern while requiring dependable performance, which is typical for critical infrastructures. The need for such methodology stems from the variety of applications with different performance and dependability requirements on the one hand and unavailability of unified system architectures for sensor networks on the other. The paper suggests a work flow for the composition of protocols where the performance requirements and characteristics of the installation environment are used in the selection for components and their parametrization. It is shown how different instances of MAC protocols (known as monolithic solutions) could be achieved by different parameterizations of an abstract MAC model. For the selection of the components and parameterizations deterministic models for the communication process are suggested in order to quantify the significance of parameters and components for the performance. The quantification is expected to be achieved using concept from the areas of control structure design and performance limitations in control theory.