1. HOlistic Platform Design for Smart Buildings
STREP Research Project HOBNET
(FP7-ICT , )
HOlistic Platform Design for Smart Buildings
of the Future InterNET (
(FIRE - Future Internet Research & Experimentation)

2. Participants 1. Computer Technology Institute (Coordinator), Greece
Leader: Sotiris Nikoletseas
2. Ericsson Serbia, Serbia
Leader: Srdjan Krco
3. Mandat International, Switzerland
Leader: Sebastien Ziegler
4. Sensinode, Finland
Leader: Zach Shelby
5. University College Dublin, Ireland
Leader: Antonio Ruzzelli
6. University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Leader: DK Arvind
7. University of Geneva, Switzerland
Leader: Jose Rolim

3. Main Aim
“To ease and maximize the use of FIRE platforms for Future Internet applications on automation and energy efficiency for smart/green buildings”.

4. Main Objectives/Expected Results
an all IPv6/6LoWPAN infrastructure of buildings and how IPv6 can integrate heterogeneous technology (sensors, actuators, mobile devices etc)
6lowApp standardization towards a new embedded application protocol for building automation
c) novel algorithmic models and scalable solutions for energy efficiency and radiation-awareness, data dissemination, localization and mobility
d) rapid development and integration of building management applications, and their deployment and monitoring on FIRE test beds

5. Methodological Approach
We take a holistic approach addressing critical aspects at different layers (networks, algorithms, applications/tools) in an integrated way, including the following hierarchy:
- At the low level, network protocols and architectures, mainly based on IPv6, are studied, with an emphasis on heterogeneity and interoperability.
- At a second layer, we provide algorithmic models and solutions for smart buildings, with a special care for scalability.
- An interface layer for the rapid development and the evaluation of building management applications is provided at a third level.
- Finally, proposed research solutions and key innovations are organically evaluated in the context of the platform integration.

6. HOBNET main modules

7. Objective 1
To identify the needs, current limitations and novel research challenges towards developing smart/green building environments. To propose guidelines for large scale deployments of sensors and actuators networks in buildings, taking into account the potential heterogeneous combination of wireless, wired and PLC connectivity, in order to optimize the energy consumed by the system itself.

8. Objective 2
The design and evaluation of scalable all IPv6/6LoWPAN network architectures to support Future Internet services and applications, particularly for the smart/green building management domain. The creation of a simulation framework for networks of heterogeneous IP networks. The development of an energy aware protocol stack enhancing existing standards for wireless sensor networks

9. Objective 3
To come up with a coherent set of novel models and implemented, tested and validated best algorithmic solutions and high level technical recommendations particularly for smart building scenaria, for problems including self-organizing network design and on-line topology management, energy and radiation awareness, routing around obstacles, localization/tracking and mobility management

10. Objective 4
To develop a service oriented architecture easing the mutual integration of several control and monitoring systems, such as those developed by the HOBNET partners. To provide an interface layer between the building management system and FIRE experimentation platforms to be used for the rapid development and the evaluation of building management applications.

11. Objective 5
To implement, integrate and evaluate a platform prototype on a FIRE experimental research facility deployed in UNIGE and RACTI, including proposed research solutions and key innovations. To also evaluate the results from FIRE facilities in an end-user environment deployed in the MANDAT buildings in Geneva. A broader research goal is to test the potential of IPv6 to deploy and integrate heterogeneous sensors, including non IP based sensors together with 6LoWPAN sensors, actuators and mobile devices

12. Objective 6
To contribute to 6lowApp and its standardization towards a new embedded application protocol for building automation. To also develop a multipurpose building automation demonstration integrated into the project website and easily useable as part of demonstration activities and for connecting with external activities through an API. A broader research goal is to contribute to the vision of the Future Internet and building automation

13. Innovation
- rather than an application-agnostic infrastructure, the project addresses the specific R&D area of intelligent Building Management Systems (BMS).
the “holistic” approach to Future Internet systems of tiny embedded devices and the overall platform integration, in contrast to most existing approaches which focus on particular layers.
the interoperability challenge considering a variety of wireless devices (sensors, actuators, RFID tags, mobile phones etc), and various hardware and software types for each device.
contribution to 6lowapp standardization, especially towards a new embedded application protocol and application commissioning.
the deep examination of scalability and mobility across large, remote buildings (not just a smart home or a single building as usually in the state of the art).
novel application layer data formats and web-services.

14. FIRE validation
Key innovations will be experimentally validated in a large scale smart building proof of concept application in buildings of a UN related foundation in Geneva, existing FIRE test-beds and the U. of Patras campus.
Developed algorithms and technology solutions will be tested via deploying large numbers of diverse smart devices at the buildings and FIRE test-beds.
These tests will also provide real data traces towards accurate models.
A repository of implemented algorithms and a multipurpose building automation demonstration for connecting with external activities will be provided.

15. Target Users and Benefits (I)
Future Internet research and competitiveness in Europe can benefit by HOBNET’s study of critical open issues like the interoperability of different networking technology, the integration of IPv6 with sensor networks of various types, the algorithmic scalability and the development of new standards for the application layer.
HOBNET’s Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) for Building Management Systems (BMSs) can be exploited by the Building Sector European Industry as well as Public Utility National Activities on Green Buildings.
- HOBNET’s green building scenarios can contribute to the next generations of ICT to support lower carbon emissions for better energy efficiency, lighting, and more efficient environmental simulation and monitoring.

16. Target Users and Benefits (II)
FIRE researchers and building management application designers and developers will be able to test their high level algorithms in hardware (not just simulation), at a large scale, in realistic scenarios.
Engineers will benefit from the interaction with rigorous algorithmic methodologies.
The algorithmic and distributed computing community will benefit from the definition of more realistic abstract models and well-motivated problems for sensor networking.