Implementing IP over Short Range Wireless Networks

Short-range wireless networks (SRWN) are becoming more and more popular for sensor and actuator connectivity in industrial, building and home automation. A significant number of different and incompatible solutions glut the markets, leaving the system designer and the end user with the burden of choice. Instead of those dedicated solutions, it is well possible to run the Internet Protocol directly over the SRWN, which should then cover the physical and data link layers. Although this approach promises direct interoperability on the networking layer, there are different approaches currently being discussed how to tackle the problem This document presents the different technological approaches to run the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP or UDP/IP) over SRWN and balances the advantages and caveats.