Simulators for the Internet of Things

Boris Laharnar (2016) Simulators for the Internet of Things. EngD thesis.

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Abstract

The thesis delivers an extensive review of free and open-source simulation tools useful for IoT simulation. The work deals with free simulators and other tools and sources applicable to simulation of IoT use cases. Roughly 80 tools and other sources were reviewed. Different application domain simulators were enlisted (smart home, connected vehicles, smart city, smart grid, UAV...), network simulators, WSN simulators, discrete event simulators, virtualization tools, emulators and simulators of embedded devices, context simulators (agent based modelling tools), data generators (GPS, MQ), sensor simulators and cosimulators. In connection with simulation we also listed: prototyping tools, real time operating systems (for resource-constrained devices), middleware, development platforms, open testbeds, metodologies, standalone simulator software specifications. Enlisted tools were described with emphasis on key functional characteristics. A comparative table was added to facilitate the process of searching for required tools. Possible procedures for modelling are included, as well as practical tips how to use the use of comparative table. The procedure of modelling and execution of simulation was presented by practical use case. Several risk factors and issues associated with IoT development were identified. A possible approach to deal with them is modelling and simulation. Conclusions and findings: natural correlation between open source simulators and IoT ad hoc architectural characteristics, intuitive modelling by assembling open source simulation tools in manner of lego bricks, usage of agent-based modelling to humanize the simulted situation, simulation as a backbone of IoT development.

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