727 IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL)
By completing this series, you will be able to:
- Understand why traditional routing protocols donβt work for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (LLNs)
- Explain RPL as a distance-vector routing protocol for IoT
- Understand DODAG (Destination Oriented Directed Acyclic Graph) topology
- Explain the RANK concept and loop prevention mechanisms
- Compare Storing mode vs Non-Storing mode in RPL
- Understand upward, downward, and point-to-point routing in RPL
- Design RPL networks for different IoT applications
- Analyze RPL performance trade-offs
727.1 Chapter Overview
RPL (IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks) is the IETF standard routing protocol designed specifically for IPv6-based IoT networks with resource-constrained devices, lossy wireless links, and convergent traffic patterns.
This comprehensive guide to RPL is organized into four focused chapters:
727.2 Chapter Series
727.2.1 1. RPL Introduction and Core Concepts
Estimated time: 15-20 minutes
Learn the fundamentals of RPL and why itβs essential for IoT:
- Why traditional routing protocols (OSPF, RIP) donβt work for IoT
- Introduction to Low-Power and Lossy Networks (LLNs)
- DODAG (Destination Oriented Directed Acyclic Graph) topology
- RANK mechanism for loop prevention
- Distance-vector routing principles in RPL
727.2.2 2. RPL DODAG Construction and Routing Modes
Estimated time: 20-25 minutes
Understand how RPL builds and maintains network topology:
- Step-by-step DODAG construction process
- RPL control messages (DIO, DIS, DAO, DAO-ACK)
- Storing mode: distributed routing tables
- Non-Storing mode: centralized routing at root
- Memory and performance trade-offs between modes
- Mode selection decision framework
727.2.3 3. RPL Traffic Patterns and Network Design
Estimated time: 25-30 minutes
Apply RPL concepts to real-world network design:
- Many-to-one (upward) routing patterns
- One-to-many (downward) routing patterns
- Point-to-point routing strategies
- Hands-on lab: Designing RPL network for smart building
- Memory requirements calculation
- Traffic pattern analysis and optimization
727.2.4 4. RPL Production Framework and Summary
Estimated time: 15-20 minutes
Production deployment considerations and comprehensive review:
- Production RPL framework architecture
- Large-scale deployment analysis (800+ nodes)
- Key concepts summary
- Visual reference gallery
- Comprehensive review quiz
- RFC standards references (6550, 6552, 6719)
727.3 Prerequisites
Before starting this series, you should be familiar with:
- Routing Fundamentals: Basic routing concepts and distance-vector protocols
- 6LoWPAN Fundamentals: IPv6 header compression for constrained devices
- Wireless Sensor Networks: WSN energy constraints and multi-hop patterns
727.4 Quick Reference
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| RPL | IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks |
| DODAG | Destination Oriented Directed Acyclic Graph (tree topology) |
| RANK | Hierarchical position preventing routing loops |
| DIO | DODAG Information Object (advertises DODAG) |
| DIS | DODAG Information Solicitation (requests DODAG info) |
| DAO | Destination Advertisement Object (builds downward routes) |
| Storing Mode | Distributed routing tables at each node |
| Non-Storing Mode | Centralized routing at root with source routing |
| Trickle Timer | Adaptive control message frequency algorithm |
| Objective Function | Algorithm for parent selection (OF0, MRHOF) |
727.5 Standards
- RFC 6550: RPL Specification (IETF, March 2012)
- RFC 6552: Objective Function Zero (OF0)
- RFC 6719: Minimum Rank with Hysteresis Objective Function (MRHOF)
- RFC 6206: Trickle Timer Algorithm