Interoperable IPv6 Sensor Networking over PLC and RF Media

Abstract

The evolution of technology has made the connection of all types of devices to IP networks possible. In this paper, the authors investigate the possible usage of IPv6 in sensor networks connected through the Power Line Communication (PLC) non-wireless medium and demonstrate possible interoperability. This work is based on the adaptation of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard protocol constrained by the low-power, lossy and low data-rate context of PLC transceiver that uses pulse modulation. The aim is to provide interoperability features with other media using a robust and reliable communication stack. The target application of such results ranges from smart metering and environment monitoring to home control and urban area energy efficiency applications. This paper proposes the first adaptation of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard commons for the PLC medium. Following this standard interface, the authors demonstrate data communication on PLC with low power energy requirement using the pulse PLC physical layer. This paper also presents an initial implementation of the Routing Protocol for Low power and lossy networks (RPL) setup proposed by the IETF working group. In this context, the authors demonstrate interoperability in a testbed between PLC and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN).