Challenges of the Internet of Things

4 Enabling Fast-prototyping of Connected Things using the WiNo* Family

In order to deploy the various solutions for the Device Layer of the Internet of Things, these proposals must be evaluated in terms of performance, scalability and repeatability. This chapter introduces our test platform that was designed to support these types of tests. We describe the wireless nodes that make up the test platform and present a selection of use cases.

4.1. Introduction

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing the field of networks and telecommunications. Many experts anticipate an explosion of connected objects for the years to come [SHA 17] in industrialized countries, particularly with applications related to comfort, leisure, quality of life and health. Emerging countries are also likely to benefit from this revolution because of the existence of numerous applications that generate strong needs for smart-metering solutions (sustainable agriculture, renewable energies, etc.). This possibility is strengthened by the simplicity of the deployment of wireless networks in deserts or hostile areas. Among these connected objects are fixed elements monitoring the environment, and mobile elements, worn by a human, attached to cattle or intelligent vehicles. Today, these different classes form separate networks because they use different communication protocols and sometimes non-interoperable technologies. The purpose of IoT is to have them collaborate by giving them all the possibility ...