A Communication Stack over PLC for Multi Physical Layer IPv6 Networking

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a communication stack for powerline communication (PLC) based on open standards. Our aim is to provide interoperability features regarding others mediums with a robust and reliable communication stack for smart metering, home control or home area networks applica- tions. Our work is based on the adaptation of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard protocol. It is constrained by the low-power, lossy and low data-rate context of powerline transceiver that uses pulse modulation. We first make a quick survey and justify the use of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard over PLC by drawing a parallel with the Low-Rate Wireless Personal Area Network (LR-WPAN). We then focus on the convergence of the IPv6 protocol at the network level, with the 6LoWPAN adaptation. We present our initial implementation of the RPL setup and routing protocol. This allows for a full network layer stack and results in efficient routing in our low power, low data-rate and lossy network context. We then present a real testbed of this stack and the step by step validation of its performance with experiments of data exchanges between PLC nodes. Finally we present interoperability tests performed between wireless and PLC nodes. We conclude about the interest of such interoperability for the real usage of sensor networks with a feedback from field's applications deployment and our future work.