The Unified Framework for Sensor Networks: A Systems Approach

Since its introduction in the mid-1970s, the OSI Basic Reference Model (OSI-BRM) has been widely used as a foundation for communication models and standards. While many of these have modified the OSI-BRM for specific communication requirements (protocols such as ZigBee and Fieldbus – used in sensor networks), little structure or standardisation has been developed for other aspects of the hardware/software interface – for example sensing, energy management, actuation or locationing. Such processing is often implemented in the application layer of the communications stack, resulting in an unstructured, top-heavy and confusing stack. Alternatively, processing is performed off-chip or in separate unstructured software. In this paper, we propose the Unified Framework for the structured design and implementation of multiple interfaces on a sensor node. The framework creates unified stacks by connecting individual stacks (containing distinct functionality) via a shared application layer. We present the application of the framework to create a unified stack, structuring both communications and sensing. The process of extending a unified stack for implementing energy management, locationing and actuation is also discussed. The proposed framework establishes a structured platform for the formal design, specification and implementation of sensor and wireless sensor networks.