snBench: programming and virtualization framework for distributed multitasking sensor networks

ABSTRACT

We envision future Sensor Networks (SNs) that will be composed of a hybrid collection of a variety of sensing devices embedded into shared environments. In such environments it follows that the embedded SN infrastructure would also be shared by various users, occupants, or administrators of these shared spaces. As such a clear need emerges to virtualize the SN, sharing the resources of the SN across various tasks executing simultaneously. To achieve this goal, we present the snBench (SN Workbench). The snBench abstracts a collection of dissimilar and disjoint resources into a shared virtual SN. The snBench provides an accessible high-level programming language that enables users to write "macro-level" program for their own virtual SN (i.e., programs are written at the scope of the SN rather than its individual components and specific details of the components or deployment need not be specified by the developer). To this end snBench provides execution environments and a run-time support infrastructure to provide each user a Virtual Sensor Network characterized by efficient automated program deployment, resource management, and a truly extensible architecture. In this paper we present an overview of the snBench, detailing its salient functionalities that support the entire life-cycle of a SN application.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.4 Distributed Systems
          Subjects: Network operating systems

General Terms:
Design, Languages, Management, Reliability, Verification

Keywords:
distributed resource management, domain specific languages, programming environments, sensor networks