Integrity-Checking Framework: An In-situ Testing and Validation Framework for Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks

Wireless sensor and actuator network applications require several levels of testing during their development. Although software algorithms can be tested through simulations and syntax checking, it is difficult to predict or test for problems that may occur once the wireless sensor and actuator has been deployed. The requirement for testing is not however limited to the development phase. During the lifecycle of the system, faults, upgrades, retasking, etc. lead to further needs for system validation. In this paper we review the state-of-the-art techniques for testing wireless sensor and actuator applications and propose the Integrity-Checking Framework. The framework provides in-situ full lifecycle testing and validation of wireless sensor and actuator applications by performing an “Integrity Check”, during which the sensor inputs and actuator responses are emulated within the physical wireless sensor and actuator. This enables application-level testing by feeding controlled information to the sensor inputs, while data processing, communication, aggregation and decision making continue as normal across the physical wireless sensor and actuator.