Adapting a DHT to a Self-Reliant M2M Network

Abstract: Machine-to-machine (M2M) communications is a field of research expected to grow in the following years. New business opportunities arise in this area, for instance the 50 Billion Project and the Future Internet Project at Ericsson. Thus new protocols and architectures need to be defined for the different scenarios where this technology is applicable. At the same time well known structured P2P networks, for instance by means of a Distributed Hash Table (DHT), present great synergy possibilities with M2M, in particular in the Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) Area. M2M scenarios in which sensors become more autonomous and self-reliant, independent from a centralized decision-making entity can benefit from the use of DHTs. This thesis aims at adapting current DHT (Distributed Hash Table) procedures to a M2M (Machine-to-Machine) environment. Moreover it will consist on implementing a layer for M2M communication on top of an existing DHT. We analyze the state of the art in both sensor and P2P technologies. Based on that, we explain the motivations to create such a layer and the its benefits. Following the design we implement a fully working prototype and prepare some use case scenarios. Finally, we draw conclusions from the experience and trace future paths of research for our project.