6
Using 6LoWPAN
This chapter gives an overview of implementation issues to consider when integrating 6LoWPAN in wireless embedded devices and routers. Integrating communications into an embedded device is a more complicated task than on a PC, which typically comes with a standard IP protocol stack, network interfaces and drivers by default. Embedded devices have tightly integrated hardware and software designs, often without the possibility for the complete hardware abstraction and generic interfaces found in PC architectures. In most applications for the Wireless Embedded Internet, devices are expected to be low cost, low power and compact. Embedded integration is maximized by the use of system-on-a-chip(SoC) radio technology where the transceiver, microcontroller,protocol stack and application are all integrated on a small, inexpensive chip.
The use of 6LoWPAN with embedded devices (such as the one shown in Figure 6.1), as with any other embedded communications, needs special design consideration. In this chapter we look at 6LoWPAN chip, stack integration, wireless node application development and edge router issues. An overview is also given of common open source and commercialprotocol stacks for 6LoWPAN and ISA100.
Figure 6.1 An example embedded device using a modular two-chip (MSP430+CC2420) design.
The accompanyingcourse material and exercises for this book are an excellent ...
