A peer-to-peer protocol for prioritized software updates on wireless sensor networks

Abstract

Software updating is essential for devices in wireless sensor networks for adding new features, improving performance, or patching vulnerabilities. But since some deployed devices are unable to be accessed directly, data dissemination protocol is used for distributing the update to those devices. However, each software updating may have different priority, for instance, an update that adds an optional feature does not have to be applied as fast as an update that patches severe vulnerabilities. This research presents a reliable data dissemination protocol which is configurable for energy-speed trade-off deriving some concepts from BitTorrent such as Handshaking, Segmented File Transfer, and Choking Algorithm.