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Didactic simulators for understanding routing protocols in wireless sensor networks Host Publication: International Association of Technology, Education and Development IATED Authors: A. Paradisi, M. Paule Uwase, J. Tiberghien, K. Steenhaut and J. Dricot Publisher: International Association of Technology, Education and Development Publication Date: Nov. 2011 Number of Pages: 8 ISBN: 978-84-615-3324-4
Abstract: Wireless sensor networks consist of autonomous intelligent sensor nodes, usually powered by battery, that can measure certain characteristics of their environment, such as temperature, pressure, moisture, acceleration, etc. These sensor nodes communicate by radio with their neighbours to forward data to a central collection points from where it is sent to some analysis centre via the Internet. The use of batteries and radio communications minimizes the cost, but requires specific routing protocols. Wireless Sensor Networks fit in the broader category of "smart object networks" that are gaining attention as the large range of IPv6 addresses will make possible "the Internet of Things". In this perspective the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has created a working group in charge of the design of a new routing protocol for low power and lossy networks called RPL. The authors are regularly faced with masters students interested in wireless sensor networks as a research topic for their thesis, but not knowing enough about it to make a rational choice. For that reason, a very simple, user friendly, interactive simulator that exposes the underlying principles of the Distance Vector (DV), the Ad-hoc, On Demand Distance Vector (AODV) and the RPL protocols has been developed and is being evaluated with master's students. It does not replace in any sense the more sophisticated simulation environments that are available to researchers. On the contrary, it is used to clarify basics of routing before confronting the students with the fully fledged tools. This simulator is now used as a support for lectures on routing and as a self-teaching tool for students considering a master's thesis in two universities, one in Europe and one in Africa. Its didactic value is being quantitatively evaluated with the participants of an international summer school for engineering students.
In this paper, the decision to build a didactic tool rather than adapting existing tools is motivated and the design issues are discussed, with emphasis on RPL. The results of the evaluation of the didactic qualities by various groups of students in different educational contexts will also be presented. External Link.
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