CT-SIM: A simulation model for wide-scale cluster-tree networks based on the IEEE 802.15.4 and ZigBee standards

• Main Authors: Erico Leão, Ricardo Moraes, Carlos Montez, Paulo Portugal, Francisco Vasques
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2017-03-01
• Series: International Journal of Distributed Sensor Networks
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1177/1550147717698471

The IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee set of standards is one of the most used wireless sensor network technologies. This set of standards supports cluster-tree networks, which are suitable topologies for wide-scale deployments. The design of wide-scale wireless sensor networks is a challenging task because it is difficult to test, analyse and validate new designs in real scenarios. Thus, simulation becomes a convenient and feasible method for its assessment before deployment. Within this context, we provide a set of simulation models for IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee-based networks, which are able to deal with wide-scale cluster-tree wireless sensor networks and to address their major challenges. The provided simulation models implement important mechanisms for the assessment of wide-scale cluster-tree networks and associated data communication mechanisms, enabling an easier design and test of wide-scale wireless sensor network implementations.