Statistical Delay Bound for WirelessHART Networks

TL;DR

This paper develops a stochastic network calculus-based framework to analyze and bound delay violations in WirelessHART and similar industrial wireless networks, aiding network design and optimization.

Contribution

It introduces a novel performance analysis method for wireless industrial networks using stochastic network calculus and recursive delay bounds, validated through simulations.

Findings

Derived a service curve and delay violation probability bound.

Validated results via simulations for WirelessHART networks.

Applicable to IEEE 802.15.4-based wireless networks with TDMA and channel hopping.

Abstract

In this paper we provide a performance analysis framework for wireless industrial networks by deriving a service curve and a bound on the delay violation probability. For this purpose we use the (min,x) stochastic network calculus as well as a recently presented recursive formula for an end-to-end delay bound of wireless heterogeneous networks. The derived results are mapped to WirelessHART networks used in process automation and were validated via simulations. In addition to WirelessHART, our results can be applied to any wireless network whose physical layer conforms the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, while its MAC protocol incorporates TDMA and channel hopping, like e.g. ISA100.11a or TSCH-based networks. The provided delay analysis is especially useful during the network design phase, offering further research potential towards optimal routing and power management in QoS-constrained wireless industrial networks.