Stable Software Patterns for Self-Organizing Sensor Networks

M.E. Fayad Professor of Computer Engineering Computer Engineering, College of Engineering San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0180 Ph: (408) 924-7364, Fax: (408) 924-4153 E-mail: [email protected], http://www.engr.sjsu.edu/fayad

Nader Mir Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0180 Email: Nader Mir

Intellectual Merit of the Proposed Activity:

Sensor networks are currently the focus of research for the public security and military intelligence applications. A sensor network is controlled through a set of software as a core engine. The software stability is highly demanded due to many types of activities in large-scale sensor networks. For example, the change of sensor clustering topologies as the energy of gateway nodes at each cluster changes and thus the routing changes, communications and security protocols must adapt concurrently. The generic self-organizing sensor networks are cluster-based, irregular, and highly scalable structure and normally use node-energy-based routing schemes. The networks of such sensing systems are typically constructed with identical sensor nodes regardless of the size of the network. Each sensor node consists of processing/storage element, self-testing/remote element, power unit and wireless transmitter/receiver. The objective of the idea of pattern language for sensor networks is to identify all the essential aspects related to a domain or concept and capture them as stable patterns. We aim at developing a pattern language for the sensor networks. The major steps involved in the creation of a pattern language are:

 Identification of the Core Knowledge in developing any pattern language. In this step we “divide and capture” the domain and classify them into simple, direct and atomic concepts. The stable patterns consist of enduring concepts., workhorses to achieve the concept. Further the patterns span different layers and provide different views. The pattern spans architectural, structural, and application layers. The Sensor Networks is a domain that covers vast range of aspects like communication, security, testing, control etc. Each of these aspects can be a pattern.  Properties – Properties of a pattern is nothing but focusing thoroughly on a concept to bring out all the atomic notions involved in it. Those atomic notions are described as a Stable Analysis Pattern (SAP) or a Stable Design Pattern (SDP).  Pattern, Reception Analysis Pattern etc. Hence identifying the properties explicitly states all the knowledge involved in the concept. This step requires through knowledge about the domain and iterations with experts in the domain.  Development – This step involves identification of key players in the pattern, listing their behavior and relationships with each other. Once the stable pattern is formed it is documented clearly in a template, giving examples of applicability. Next comes the verification of the pattern using standard techniques. Further we start implementing the pattern and apply the pattern to sensor networks.  Deployment – Deployment addresses issues like scalability, maintainability and extensibility.

Broader Impact Resulting From the proposed Activity:

Broader impact resulting from this proposed activity can be summarized as follow:

 The generic stable software patterns proposed here help develop further core software for communication and security of sensor networks.  The fundamental patterns facilitate rapid modifications in the core intelligence of the sensor networks especially for applications like city water security, public security, and bio-chemical sensing in military.  Researches can base upon the security and communication patterns for any type of sensor network to develop routing protocols when the topology of the sensor network changes statically or dynamically.  Incorporation of the project results into graduate courses currently being taught by the PIs (in networking and software engineering).