The need for efficient multicast routing in low-power IPv6 mesh networks

Abstract

In the recent past, the emergence of IPv6 capable low-power mesh networks has put the visions of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) right at the doorstep. In particular, 6LoWPAN has shown to be a promising foundation for a general purpose, IPv6 capable, low-power network stack, and has since seen broad adoption. While several aspects of the underlying technologies are steadily advancing, adequate multicast routing has been an ongoing issue. A steady stream of potential improvements has been proposed, most of which trying to alleviate shortcomings in Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL), the predominantly used routing protocol. In this paper, we summarize the current state of (multicast) routing in 6LoWPAN, known issues and recent proposals for improvements, and argue for alternatives/extensions and their drawbacks and potential benefits.