Reliable upgrade of group communication software in sensor networks

P. V. Krishnan, L. Sha, K. Mechitov

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Communication is critical between nodes in wireless sensor networks. Upgrades to their communication software need to be done reliably because residual software errors in the new module can cause complete system failure. We present a software architecture, called cSimplex, which can reliably upgrade multicast-based group communication software in sensor networks. Errors in the new module are detected using statistical checks and a stability definition that we propose. Error recovery is done by switching to a well-tested, reliable safety module without any interruption in the functioning of the system. cSimplex has been implemented and demonstrated in a network of acoustic sensors with mobile robots functioning as base stations. Experimental results show that faults in the upgraded software can be detected with an accuracy of 99.71% on average. The architecture, which can be easily extended to other reliable upgrade problems, will facilitate a paradigm shift in system evolution from static design and extensive testing to reliable upgrades of critical communication components in networked systems, thus also enabling substantial savings in testing time and resources.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 1st IEEE International Workshop on Sensor Network Protocols and Applications, SNPA 2003
EditorsTaieb Znati, Erdal Cayirci, Eylem Ekici
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages82-92
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)0780378792, 9780780378797
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003
Event1st IEEE International Workshop on Sensor Network Protocols and Applications, SNPA 2003 - Anchorage, United States
Duration: May 11 2003 → …

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 1st IEEE International Workshop on Sensor Network Protocols and Applications, SNPA 2003

Other

Other1st IEEE International Workshop on Sensor Network Protocols and Applications, SNPA 2003
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAnchorage
Period5/11/03 → …

Keywords

  • Acoustic sensors
  • Acoustic signal detection
  • Communication switching
  • Communication system software
  • Safety
  • Software architecture
  • Stability
  • System testing
  • Telecommunication network reliability
  • Wireless sensor networks

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Instrumentation

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