Ontology-based abstractions for M2M virtual nodes and topologies

Machine to Machine (M2M), wireless, ad-hoc type networks are typically resource constrained due to the restricted capabilities of constituent objects (i.e. nodes). There may be limitations in transmission range and capacity, power availability, spatial coverage and location, etc. These limitations may be alleviated through abstractions implemented by cooperating objects. Such abstractions span a range of diverse approaches, each suited to specific ambient conditions and applications. This work proposes an ontology that defines an API for the management of a Virtual Node Layer (VNL) in sensor (or in general, M2M) networks. Such an API can manage regions, virtual nodes and virtual topologies. The management service primitives are independent of the user plane service primitives allowing applications development to take place without considering the characteristics of the underlying network topology in advance of actual deployment. Dynamic adaptation to ambient conditions and service requirements are additionally supported by adopting the most efficient virtualization for the environment of deployment.