Model-Based QoS Evaluation and Validation for Embedded Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless communication technologies have the potential to significantly reduce cabling cost, cut down on weight, and simplify the overall structure of industrial embedded systems. Potential risks and costs of a technological switch from wired interconnections toward a wireless solution are difficult to estimate, however. Model-based system engineering can help to reduce risk and cost and to increase the quality of the resulting system. However, standard network simulation software has to be adapted to the particular requirements of embedded wireless sensor networks such as system operational modes and phases, comprehensive means of configuration, and performance analysis; and models are not easy to validate in detail. This paper presents a highly scalable model for industrial embedded wireless networks to validate different system configurations and applies it to a system setup designed for avionic environments, using a software architectural framework for domain-specific simulation-based tools. The presented model is detailed enough to cover the significant behavior for quality of service requirements, including delays, throughput, reliability, energy consumption, and node lifetime. An additional important contribution is the direct connection between design tool and test bed or prototype system, allowing a seamless configuration of a hardware setup and an integration of measured behavior for a fine-grained validation of model and prototype. The application to a real-life system setup shows the benefits of the integrated approach.

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