embeNET Node library – networking for deeply embedded devices — embeNET Suite

The embeNET networking stack is designed to deliver Low-Power and Lossy Network (LLN) communication for resource-constrained devices. It supports both 2.4 GHz and sub-GHz bands, making it versatile for a range of wireless applications. By utilizing popular modulation schemes in the physical layer (PHY), embeNET allows for the use of low-cost radio transceivers, reducing the overall product cost while maintaining efficiency.

This stack takes care of the entire process of joining nodes, routing, and reconfiguring the network topology automatically. Applications interact with the network via UDP-based addressable sockets, providing a reliable and widely-used communication mechanism.

Key technologies used in embeNET

embeNET is built on IEEE802.15.4e-TSCH, a standard designed for industrial-grade deployments that offers robust and high-quality connectivity. This makes it suitable for environments where interference or harsh conditions could disrupt typical wireless communication. The stack supports:

• Time-slotted communication – devices synchronize with a common time domain, which enables low duty cycles and energy-efficient communication. This also minimizes radio activity, as devices only communicate during specific time-frequency slots.
  
• Channel hopping – communication events use a pseudo-random channel selection process that helps avoid interference and improve reliability. By hopping between frequencies, the network is better protected against multipath fading and narrow-band interference.
  
• TSCH resource allocation – resource allocation can be handled either through network planning or via a heuristic algorithm in real-time. This flexibility allows optimization for factors like network speed, throughput, or energy consumption.
  

embeNET Border Router Software – bridging the LLN to the internet

The embeNET Border Router software serves as the gateway connecting the LLN to the Internet. It is available for both Windows and Linux, managing radio hardware and handling the connection between LLN devices and the Internet. Through the use of a virtual network interface, the border router ensures that only valid traffic is passed to the LLN, suppressing unnecessary packets and reducing network congestion.

An integral feature is the inclusion of the 6LoWPAN compression layer, which provides native support for IPv6. This allows datagrams to pass through the network without the need for special translation gateways, simplifying the connection to the broader Internet.

The system supports multicast groups, where nodes can dynamically join and trigger events simultaneously across the network. The border router also filters multicast traffic, ensuring only relevant data reaches the network. This capability makes mass communication easier and more effective.

Security is enforced via the IEEE802.15.4-TSCH encryption and authentication scheme. Devices join the network securely using key distribution, with the border router acting as the Join Registrar Centre, controlling which devices can associate with the network. Additionally, the router periodically rotates encryption keys without interrupting communication, ensuring ongoing security. Support for AES-128 or AES-256 encryption provides an added layer of end-to-end data protection.

embeNET Portal – a web-based management tool

The embeNET Portal is a comprehensive web application that provides users with access to both real-time and historical network data. It offers a user-friendly interface for identifying, managing, and grouping devices within the network. This tool is especially useful for overseeing deployment and maintenance activities.

Nodes in the network can be assigned to specific task-oriented groups, such as environmental sensors or safety systems, allowing for better organization and monitoring. Users can also remotely update and reprogram devices through the portal, with the ability to update multiple nodes in parallel to save time.

The embeNET Portal ensures that managing large, complex LLNs is straightforward, giving users full control over their devices and simplifying tasks like firmware updates and device management.

So what about this?

The embeNET stack provides a robust, scalable solution for wireless communication in resource-constrained environments. Its support for industrial-grade standards, along with features like time-slotted communication, channel hopping, and advanced security, make it ideal for low-power networks. Combined with the powerful Border Router software and the intuitive web-based portal, embeNET offers an all-in-one solution for managing LLNs efficiently, whether for industrial, environmental, or security applications.