The virtual node layer

Abstract

The Virtual Node Layer (VNLayer) programming abstraction provides programmable, predictable automata--virtual nodes--emulated by the low-level network nodes. This simplifies the design and rigorous analysis of applications for the wireless sensor network setting, as the layer can mask much of the uncertainty of the underlying components. In this paper, we define a general VNLayer architecture, and then use this framework to design a practical VNLayer implementation, optimized for real-world use. We then discuss our experience deploying this implementation on a testbed of hand-held computers, and in a custom-built packet-level simulator, and present a sample application--a virtual traffic light--to highlight the power and utility of our abstraction. We conclude with a survey of additional applications that are well-suited to this setting.