Multi-path selection in RPL based on replication and elimination

Abstract

IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) is a distance vector routing protocol especially designed for the Internet of Things (IoT). RPL uses broadcast DODAG Information Object (DIO) messages to build a Destination Oriented Directed Acyclic Graph (DODAG) toward a root. Each node selects a parent node toward the root using a common Objective Function (OF). However, the use of a single route can affect the network reliability and the end-to-end latency. In this study, we propose to employ the Packet Replication and Elimination (PRE) principles to use parallel paths toward the DODAG root, over the IEEE 802.15.4 Time-Slotted Channel Hopping (TSCH) as a medium access. To this aim, we propose number of algorithms to select the second or the alternative parent in RPL. Furthermore, we study the advantages of using overhearing feature over correlated paths. Our simulation campaign conducted over Cooja, the simulator of Contiki OS, demonstrate that the use of overhearing in conjunction with PRE in RPL considerably improves the robustness of a wireless network by providing greater opportunity to a packet to reach its destination.