D-NDNoT: Deterministic Named Data Networking for Time-Sensitive IoT Applications

Afia Anjum, Paul Agbaje, Sena Hounsinou, Nadra Guizani, Habeeb Olufowobi

Abstract: Named data networking (NDN) revolutionized IP-based communication by introducing a content-centric model, based on name-based communication. This paradigm shift offers benefits, including optimized network traffic through in-network caching, improved data security, and resilient communication for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. While these benefits are significant, the deterministic data delivery necessary for time-sensitive IoT applications cannot be guaranteed using the NDN’s best effort routing mechanism. This article addresses this challenge by proposing Deterministic NDN of Things (D-NDNoT), a protocol-level integration of a schedulability algorithm into NDN, making it deadline-aware and addressing the specific requirements of time-sensitive IoT applications. We present a time-sensitive NDN protocol incorporating a critical deadline-first (CDF) scheduler to prioritize traffic. By integrating deadline awareness, quality of service metrics, and network characteristics, the algorithm ensures the delivery of time-sensitive data takes precedence over nontime-sensitive content. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed protocol, we evaluate using simulation experiments in OMNET++ and consider metrics, such as end-to-end latency, delay, and deadline. The results demonstrate that the deadline-aware deterministic NDN protocol effectively meets the communication needs of time-sensitive IoT applications, ensuring the timely delivery of critical data.