Time-dependent dynamics in networked sensing and control

A networked sensing and control system (NSCS) combines networked sensors with control and actuation units so as to control a physical environment An NSCS can effectively use sensing and control signals only if those signals are delivered on time. The paper analyzes the behavior of an NSCS as a function of network real-time service. In particular, we consider the range of effective sampling periods and network delays that lead to stability for the controlled physical plant. A high-level conclusion is that the actual stability region is affected by the time-dependent behavior of packet delays and losses and can differ from an idealized stability region derived from an aggregate view of the loss and delay processes.