Zero-Config Event Monitoring System (ZEMS)

Result

In the ZEMS project, we developed a framework for efficiently designing and evaluating communication protocols that extend the reach of established LPWAN systems. We demonstrated its applicability through a real-world use case: fire protection seal supervision. The framework proved to be a valuable tool for protocol development, testing, and refinement.

We first investigated the suitability of LPWAN technologies for IoT applications in buildings. These applications have diverse requirements and optimization goals, making protocol customization essential. Effective debugging, parameter tuning, and analysis tools are therefore critical, as interpreting experimental results often requires a detailed understanding of protocol behavior.

Using the proposed framework, we developed and validated a protocol for fire protection seal supervision that doesn't need any configuration within a practical development timeframe. The framework enabled testing under different scenarios while allowing the same implementation to be executed both in simulation and on the target hardware.

In future projects, we may apply this structured approach, which combines simulation and real-world testing, to additional use cases. Potential applications include underground monitoring, such as water detection sensors in cellars and water level sensors in sewage systems, as well as long-range deployments in remote areas, for example for landslide monitoring.

Description

The ZEMS project provides radio connectivity for fire penetration seals located in harsh environments.

Combining the proposed zero-configuration mesh protocol with proven LoRa communication enables a radically new approach to managing such seals through cloud-based sensors, unlocking completely new markets.