Autotree: Connecting Cheap IoT Nodes with an Auto-Configuring WiFi Tree Network

This paper describes a tree routing mechanism called “Autotree” that automatically establishes an IP-based multi-hop routing on a network of WiFi enabled IoT nodes. It uses NAT and a variation of distance vector routing to dynamically establish an efficient tree without any manual intervention. It automatically adapts to topology changes, thus it can react on node failures and (limited) node mobility. It uses standard IEEE 802.11 links with WPA2 security. Also, the mechanism is completely transparent for other connected WiFi devices. Autotree has been implemented and evaluated on ESP8266 boards.