Dynamic TDMA for networked embedded systems

Abstract

We present a dynamic Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) protocol for predictable communication in Networked Embedded Systems. The nodes in such systems are typically resource constrained and can communicate over low power, low bandwidth wireless links. Several TDMA protocols have been reported in the literature for similar nodes. The approach we present offers dynamic reconfiguration of the flows between nodes in the system. Our protocol uses dynamic time slots that will be assigned online to the nodes as needed. In our current architecture, a centralized coordinator directs the flow among the nodes by reconfiguring the local TDMA schedules. In the future, this protocol can be extended to fully enable reconfigurable flows in Networked Embedded Systems using a collection of decentralized controllers.