VNetOS: Virtualised Distributed and Parallel Sensor Network Operating Environment for the IoT and SHM

Abstract

Dealing with distributed and parallel computing in strong heterogeneous environments, e.g., distributed sensor networks, is still a challenge at the algorithmic, communication, and application levels. Heterogeneity is related to different computer and network (communication) architectures. Virtualization can hide and unify heterogeneity. In addition to interprocess communication and synchronization, the unified access and monitoring of computing nodes (devices, computers, processors) is required to handle distributed and parallel systems in a comfortable and easy-to-access manner. Especially in education, the access to and control of a large set of computing nodes are difficult, which lowers the learning curve significantly. In this work, a unified distributed and parallel framework and Web tools are introduced using virtual machines (VM) and Web browsers to control them. The framework enables the control, monitoring, and study of distributed-parallel systems, especially addressing sensor networks and IoT networks. Nodes can be arranged in a graphical drawing world or be script-based. Virtual network nodes are assigned to VM instances that can be created inside the browser using Web worker processes or can be attached to externally running VM instances via a Web control API. New VM instances or processes can be started and controlled instantly. The graphical UI provides access to the internal and external nodes, programming editors, and monitor shells. The VMs can be generic, but in this work, there is a focus on JavaScript and Lua. The framework provides augmented virtuality, i.e., a coupling of physical and virtual worlds.

Keywords

• virtualisation
• virtual machines
• distributed data processing
• sensor networks
• Internet of things
• network simulation