723  RPL: Production and Review

Deep Dives:

Comparisons:

Implementations:

Learning:

723.1 Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

  • Build RPL Implementations: Create complete DODAG construction and RANK calculation systems
  • Configure Trickle Timers: Implement adaptive routing update mechanisms for stability
  • Compare Storage Modes: Evaluate Storing vs Non-Storing modes for different network sizes
  • Implement Objective Functions: Design custom OF0 and MRHOF for different optimization goals
  • Manage DODAG State: Handle joining, floating, and root operations
  • Deploy Production Systems: Apply RPL framework to real-world LLN deployments

723.2 Prerequisites

Required Chapters:

Technical Background:

  • IPv6 addressing
  • DODAG topology
  • Objective functions

Key RPL Concepts:

Concept Description
DODAG Destination Oriented DAG
DIO DODAG Information Object
DAO Destination Advertisement Object
DIS DODAG Information Solicitation
OF0 Objective Function Zero

Estimated Time: 1 hour (complete section)

Expand Your Learning:

This chapter connects to multiple learning resources across the IoT Class ecosystem:

Interactive Tools:

  • Simulations Hub - Network Topology Visualizer demonstrates DODAG formation
  • Explore RPL routing simulations to visualize parent selection and RANK calculation

Knowledge Assessment:

  • Quizzes Hub - Test RPL concepts: objective functions, storage modes, Trickle timer
  • Compare your understanding of RPL vs traditional routing protocols

Visual Learning:

  • Videos Hub - Watch RPL DODAG construction animations
  • See real-world RPL deployments in smart cities and industrial IoT

Concept Mastery:

  • Knowledge Gaps Hub - Common RPL misconceptions addressed
  • Understand why students confuse Storing vs Non-Storing mode trade-offs

Knowledge Integration:

  • Knowledge Map - See how RPL connects to 6LoWPAN, Thread, and IPv6
  • Explore routing protocol family tree and RPLโ€™s position

Recommended Learning Path:

  1. Complete RPL fundamentals and labs before this advanced review
  2. Use Simulations Hub to visualize DODAG construction and parent selection
  3. Watch Videos Hub content on real-world RPL deployments
  4. Test mastery with Quizzes Hub scenarios
  5. Review Knowledge Gaps for common production deployment pitfalls

What is this chapter? Advanced RPL topics and production deployment considerations. This is expert-level content.

Difficulty: Advanced

When to use:

  • After mastering RPL fundamentals and labs
  • When planning production deployments
  • For advanced exam preparation

Topics Covered:

Topic Why It Matters
Objective Functions Optimize for your requirements
Security Modes Protect routing infrastructure
Scalability Handle large networks
Troubleshooting Diagnose routing issues

Prerequisites:

  • Strong understanding of RPL fundamentals
  • Completed RPL labs
  • Familiarity with network debugging

Recommended Path:

  1. Master RPL Fundamentals first
  2. Complete RPL Labs
  3. Then tackle this advanced review

723.3 Chapter Overview

This advanced RPL production review is organized into three focused chapters:

723.3.1 RPL Production Framework

Time: ~30 minutes

Covers the production-ready RPL framework architecture:

  • DODAG structure with RANK-based parent selection
  • Storing vs Non-Storing mode memory trade-offs
  • Control message flow (DIO, DAO, DIS, DAO-ACK)
  • Traffic pattern optimization for different routing scenarios
  • Common misconceptions about mode selection

723.3.2 RPL Production Scenarios

Time: ~30 minutes

Hands-on knowledge checks with real-world deployment scenarios:

  • Scenario 1: Smart City Streetlight Network - Mode Selection
  • Scenario 2: Industrial Sensor Network - Objective Function Selection
  • Scenario 3: Smart Building Deployment - Trickle Timer Dynamics
  • Auto-gradable MCQ questions for self-assessment

723.3.3 RPL Production Summary

Time: ~20 minutes

Comprehensive concepts and case study:

  • Key concepts quick reference
  • Detailed protocol overview
  • Industrial monitoring case study with real performance metrics
  • Visual reference gallery
  • Condensed key takeaways for exam preparation

723.4 Quick Reference

Core Concepts:

  • DODAG: Destination Oriented Directed Acyclic Graph (tree toward root)
  • RANK: Hierarchical position (prevents loops, enables upward routing)
  • OF0: Objective Function Zero (hop count minimization)
  • MRHOF: Minimum Rank with Hysteresis Objective Function (ETX-based)

Mode Selection:

Criteria Storing Mode Non-Storing Mode
Memory per node 15-25 KB <5 KB
Best for P2P traffic, small networks Many-to-one, large networks
RAM requirement >32 KB <16 KB sufficient
Scalability 100-300 nodes typical 500+ nodes

Trickle Timer:

  • Imin: Minimum interval (10 ms typical) - governs join speed
  • Imax: Maximum interval (1 hour typical) - governs steady-state overhead
  • Reset: On inconsistency detection (new node, topology change)

Performance:

Metric Typical Value
Convergence 30-60 seconds
Steady-state overhead 0.0001% bandwidth
Self-healing 10-15 seconds
Memory savings (Non-Storing) ~40% network-wide

723.5 Whatโ€™s Next

Start with RPL Production Framework for architecture fundamentals, then progress through scenarios and summary chapters.

Complete learning path:

  1. RPL Production Framework - Architecture and modes
  2. RPL Production Scenarios - Hands-on practice
  3. RPL Production Summary - Key takeaways and case study