Standardized power-efficient & internet-enabled communication stack for capillary M2M networks

Abstract

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communications refer to the ability of devices to communicate with each other without human intervention. Being arguably the most industrial branch of the emerging Internet of Things (IoT), it has some very stringent requirements on reliability, low-power and often delay. With cellular M2M today still being relatively power hungry, we concentrate in this paper on capillary M2M which is also more cost-efficient. Capillary M2M systems however are known to suffer from poor reliability and unbounded delay. To this end, we argue for a communication stack composed of latest IEEE and IETF protocols, which allows meeting the stringent requirements. Notably, the emerging IEEE 802.15.4e MAC coupled with a suitable IETF 6LoWPAN adaption and IETF ROLL routing protocol is shown to allow for aggressive duty cycling without jeopardizing reliability and delays.