Layer-component-based communication stack framework for wireless residential control systems

This paper describes methods to lower the entry barrier for creating products that interoperate in the emerging heterogeneous residential control network domain. For designing reconfigurable, layer-component-based communication stacks, a flexible framework is proposed that supports several types of nodes such as bridges, controllers, sensor/actuators - as well as secure communication between them. A special messaging system facilitates inter-component communication, and a Virtual Port Service protocol enables resource addressing. The end-devices in the heterogeneous network are made accessible on a common IP infrastructure, regardless of individual wireless technology. Legacy home automation devices are also supported. A prototype has been implemented on multiple resource-constrained hardware platforms, to demonstrate that the solution is both feasible for low-cost devices and portable. It has been shown how the framework facilitates fast prototyping and makes developing secure wireless control systems less complex.