Ashraf E. Al-Fagih

A novel cost-effective architecture and deployment strategy for integrated RFID and WSN systems

In this paper, we propose a novel architecture for integrated Radio Frequency IDentifiers (RFIDs) and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) to accommodate an array of applications in a cost-effective manner. Integration combines the traceability and sensing capabilities of the two technologies to maximize the effectiveness of the resulting systems. RFID technology extends the ability of WSNs by tracking otherwise un-sensible objects. WSNs, on the other hand, provide information on the environment surrounding the node and the ability to transmit in multi-hops to wider areas. We propose a novel architecture to integrate these technologies via super nodes that serve as both RFID readers and relay hubs. The count of the super nodes dominates the cost of these integrated networks. Thus, it is crucial to distribute these nodes over the layout in a way that minimizes their count while ensuring coverage. We employ Integer Linear Programming (ILP) to achieve a deployment scheme that addresses such constraints. Our approach generated outstanding results in terms of cost-efficiency when compared to other WSN/RFID integrated architectures.

A value-based cache replacement approach for Information-Centric Networks

Information-Centric Networks (ICNs) represent a content-based model which addresses users requests regardless of the contents location or the nature of its original publisher. The performance of an ICN is highly dependent on replicating the content across the caches of a multitude of nodes in the network. Given the high data turnover rates of contemporary applications and the finite nature of caching space, efficient caching algorithms play a crucial role in determining which data item can be safely dropped in order to accommodate for more important items. In this paper, we present a value-based cache replacement approach that executes a Least Valuable First (LVF) policy. Our approach employs a utility function that uses delay, popularity and age parameters to determine which item to drop from the cache. We present simulation results comparing our approach to other dominant cache replacement policies under varying conditions such as data popularity, in-network cache ratio and connectivity degree. Results show that our approach outperforms in terms of time-to-hit, hit rate, in-network delay and data publisher load.

Ubiquitous robust data delivery for integrated RSNs in IoT

In this paper, we present URIA, a Ubiquitous Robust Integrated Approach for data delivery in integrated RFID-Sensor Networks (RSNs). The proposed approach deploys ubiquitous wireless nodes equipped with transceivers as couriers between integrated reader/relay nodes and access points in an IoT setting. In addition to guaranteeing a specific level of connectivity across the network, URIA maintains constraints on delay, such that a multi-path minimal-delay route is always provided between any source-destination pair. Our approach is formulated via a Semi-Definite Programming (SDP) solution and is compared against other IoT integrated schemes targeting connectivity and delay metrics. Simulation results show that our proposed approach outperforms rival schemes in terms of total latency and delivery rate. This is achieved while considering vast data generation rates, instantaneous topology changes, and high probabilities of failure over the established end-to-end paths.

A pricing scheme for porter based delivery in integrated RFID-Sensor Networks

RFID-Sensor Networks (RSNs) represent the pervasive components of the heterogeneous Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm. By incorporating both the identification and localization capabilities of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and the sensing and inter-communication of Wireless sensor networks (WSNs), RSNs are capable of realizing the IoT on a global scale. A pressing hindrance to cost-effectiveness lies in the deployment of high-end relay nodes that potentiate the backbone of the IoT. Paradigms that depend solely on deploying enough readers and relays to maintain network connectivity and coverage, often converge to infeasible costs. In this work we capitalize on pre-existing mobile nodes in the field, dubbed porters, to carry out the relaying task; utilizing their ubiquitous and dense presence and integrating multiple coexisting systems. One of the prominent challenges facing the integration across multiple systems is the trade factor governing their cooperation. That is, what would the porter gain in return for forwarding RSN packets? The pricing scheme governing the operation and trade-off functionality across RSNs is a hindering factor, seldom probed in current literature. In this paper, we introduce a pricing scheme for a delivery framework in RSNs for the IoT paradigm. Our framework incorporates porter nodes with variable mobility, buffering and transfer capacities; connecting relays and base-stations. Our pricing scheme incorporates major factors of impact, most prominently porter and relay density, network load and cost of service delivery. We present a formal model for this framework, elaborated upon with a use case.

Online heuristics for monetary-based courier relaying in RFID-Sensor Networks

In integrated RFID and Wireless Sensor Networks (RSNs), the abundance of wirelessly enabled mobile devices facilitates forwarding data packets. This presents a beneficial alternative to offload transmission from relay nodes to access points. However, there is no incentive for such mobile devices to carry the relaying task. Hence, we introduce heuristics for Monetary-based Courier Relaying (MCR) that incorporates price negotiation for relaying from source nodes to access points via mobile couriers in RSN architectures. Our heuristics employ a threshold price for each packet prior to transmission. Whether to forward the packet to a courier or to directly transmit it to access points depends on a criticalness function, in addition to the couriers charge with respect to the packets threshold price. We compare our MCR model with other dominant mobile Ad hoc delivery schemes; eliciting its efficiency in terms of energy, cost and delivery rate.

Selective context fusion utilizing an integrated RFID-WSN architecture

The abundance of sensed data and its correlation between wireless entities has recently increased significantly. Understanding the context of each entity in a given environment is not-trivial. Mainly due to the need of realizing an efficient scheme for context fusion over multiple sensing/polling technologies. In this paper we present a selective context fusion model that utilizes an integrated architecture which encompasses both RFID systems and information collected from Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). We integrate the identification capabilities of the former with the group intelligence sustained by the latter. A mediator acts as both the reader and relay (RR) node to communicate both technologies respectively. Thus, collecting context information from sensors and tags, then aggregating, filtering and carrying out analysis to selectively enhance the quality of context collected in its vicinity. As such, the network will fuse information over a multiplicity of devices. The goal of this system is to utilize contextual information about the devices generating the data to better the selection process. The filtration process eliminates irregularities in the data as well as redundancy. Moreover, a weighted function stresses the value of data generated by higher-end nodes. Weight is also attributed to log-based evaluation protocols that identify a reliability metric. To further strengthen the fusion approach, local RRs will collect and aggregate context information from neighboring RR nodes, as well as knowledge databases over the Internet. As a load balancing measure, and to avoid resource draining, participating nodes will have an inversely proportional likelihood of participation in providing context information as their contribution count increases. Our system is further elaborated upon via an extensive use case.

Utilizing RFID-WSNs for reducing the footprint of the Oil Sands industry

In harsh operational conditions, machines lose components on a frequent basis, causing a significant footprint to the surrounding environment. This affects operational up-time, safety measures and cost effectiveness. This paper proposes the use of an integrated RFID-WSN architecture to reduce the footprint of mining equipment used in the Canadian Oil Sands industry. Sensors and RFID tags provide both identification and positioning data for detecting broken parts from Ground Engaging Tools (GETs), such as huge shovel teeth. A delay-tolerant delivery approach utilizes mobile couriers, placed on loading trucks available in the vicinity, to store and carry data from readers and relays to remote base-stations. Delivering data in such harsh mining environments poses several challenges including power scarcity, vast transmission distances and the lack of an accessible communication infrastructure. We provide a use case to demonstrate how this architecture successfully overcomes these challenges within the harsh industrial environment of the Oil Sands.