719 RPL Labs and Quiz
719.1 Overview
This hub provides hands-on labs and comprehensive quizzes for mastering RPL (Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks). The content has been organized into focused chapters for effective learning.
719.2 Learning Path
Complete these chapters in order for the best learning experience:
| Chapter | Focus | Time |
|---|---|---|
| RPL Lab: Network Design | Hands-on DODAG topology design and mode comparison | 45 min |
| RPL Knowledge Check | Scenario-based quizzes for real-world application | 30 min |
| RPL Quiz Questions | Detailed concept review with comprehensive explanations | 45 min |
Total Time: ~2 hours
719.3 Prerequisites
Required Chapters:
- RPL Fundamentals - Core RPL concepts and DODAG construction
- RPL Operation - Protocol mechanics and message types
- Routing Fundamentals - General routing background
Key RPL Concepts to Know:
| Concept | Definition |
|---|---|
| DODAG | Destination-Oriented Directed Acyclic Graph |
| Rank | Distance metric from root node |
| DIO | DODAG Information Object |
| DAO | Destination Advertisement Object |
| Trickle | Timer algorithm for adaptive DIO transmission |
Lab Requirements:
- Contiki-NG or RIOT OS environment
- 6LoWPAN capable hardware (or simulator like Cooja)
- Wireshark with RPL dissector for packet analysis
What will you learn? Practical skills for designing, deploying, and troubleshooting RPL networks through hands-on exercises.
Recommended approach: 1. Start with RPL Lab: Network Design for practical topology planning 2. Test understanding with RPL Knowledge Check scenarios 3. Deep dive into concepts with RPL Quiz Questions
Key skills youโll develop:
| Skill | Lab Coverage |
|---|---|
| DODAG Design | Network Design Lab |
| Mode Selection | Knowledge Check |
| Control Messages | Quiz Questions |
| Troubleshooting | All chapters |
Deep Dives: - RPL Fundamentals - DODAG construction and RANK calculation - RPL Operation - Control messages and trickle timer - RPL Routing - Routing modes and path selection algorithms
Comparisons: - Routing Fundamentals - Traditional routing vs RPL distance-vector approach - 6LoWPAN Hands-On - How RPL integrates with 6LoWPAN stack - Cellular IoT Comprehensive Review - Alternative routing approaches in cellular networks
Hands-On: - RPL Production and Review - Deployment patterns and real-world optimizations - Simulations Hub - Network simulation tools for RPL testing
Learning: - Quizzes Hub - Videos Hub
719.4 Chapter Summaries
719.4.1 RPL Lab: Network Design
Design a complete RPL network for a smart building scenario:
- Task 1: DODAG topology design with 56 devices across 3 floors
- Task 2: Memory requirements comparison (Storing vs Non-Storing)
- Task 3: Traffic pattern analysis (many-to-one, one-to-many, point-to-point)
Key takeaway: Mains-powered devices should serve as routers; battery sensors as leaf nodes.
719.4.2 RPL Knowledge Check
Scenario-based quizzes testing real-world application:
- Hospital IoT deployment (1,200 sensors, nurse call latency requirements)
- Smart building mode selection (100 sensors, configuration updates)
- Trickle timer behavior (node joining, network stability)
Key takeaway: Traffic pattern analysis drives mode selection, not just memory constraints.
719.4.3 RPL Quiz Questions
Detailed concept review with comprehensive explanations:
- RANK purpose: Loop prevention through hierarchy enforcement
- Mode comparison: Identical many-to-one performance, differences in P2P
- Control messages: DIS/DIO/DAO/DAO-ACK message flows
- OSPF comparison: Why link-state routing fails for IoT
Key takeaway: RPL is specifically designed for IoT constraints that make traditional routing protocols unsuitable.
719.5 Whatโs Next
Start with RPL Lab: Network Design for hands-on topology planning, or continue to RPL Production and Review for deployment patterns and real-world optimizations.