Terminology for Constrained-Node Networks
RFC 7228
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) C. Bormann
Request for Comments: 7228 Universitaet Bremen TZI
Category: Informational M. Ersue
ISSN: 2070-1721 Nokia Solutions and Networks
A. Keranen
Ericsson
May 2014
Terminology for Constrained-Node Networks
Abstract
The Internet Protocol Suite is increasingly used on small devices
with severe constraints on power, memory, and processing resources,
creating constrained-node networks. This document provides a number
of basic terms that have been useful in the standardization work for
constrained-node networks.
Status of This Memo
This document is not an Internet Standards Track specification; it is
published for informational purposes.
This document is a product of the Internet Engineering Task Force
(IETF). It represents the consensus of the IETF community. It has
received public review and has been approved for publication by the
Internet Engineering Steering Group (IESG). Not all documents
approved by the IESG are a candidate for any level of Internet
Standard; see Section 2 of RFC 5741.
Information about the current status of this document, any errata,
and how to provide feedback on it may be obtained at
http://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc7228.
Bormann, et al. Informational [Page 1]
RFC 7228 CNN Terminology May 2014
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ....................................................3
2. Core Terminology ................................................4
2.1. Constrained Nodes ..........................................4
2.2. Constrained Networks .......................................5
2.2.1. Challenged Networks .................................6
2.3. Constrained-Node Networks ..................................7
2.3.1. LLN .................................................7
2.3.2. LoWPAN, 6LoWPAN .....................................8
3. Classes of Constrained Devices ..................................8
4. Power Terminology ..............................................10
4.1. Scaling Properties ........................................10
4.2. Classes of Energy Limitation ..............................11
4.3. Strategies for Using Power for Communication ..............12
5. Security Considerations ........................................14
6. Acknowledgements ...............................................14
7. Informative References .........................................14
Bormann, et al. Informational [Page 2]
RFC 7228 CNN Terminology May 2014
1. Introduction
Small devices with limited CPU, memory, and power resources, so-
called "constrained devices" (often used as sensors/actuators, smart
objects, or smart devices) can form a network, becoming "constrained
nodes" in that network. Such a network may itself exhibit
constraints, e.g., with unreliable or lossy channels, limited and
unpredictable bandwidth, and a highly dynamic topology.
Constrained devices might be in charge of gathering information in
diverse settings, including natural ecosystems, buildings, and
factories, and sending the information to one or more server
stations. They might also act on information, by performing some
physical action, including displaying it. Constrained devices may
work under severe resource constraints such as limited battery and
computing power, little memory, and insufficient wireless bandwidth
and ability to communicate; these constraints often exacerbate each
other. Other entities on the network, e.g., a base station or
controlling server, might have more computational and communication
resources and could support the interaction between the constrained
devices and applications in more traditional networks.
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