This research topic is about applying model based testing to existing Internet of Things (IoT) protocols. Of course, we could pick a protocol like Bluetooth. However, we think it is way more interesting to apply model based testing to a protocol that is quite new and very popular, namely Zigbee.
Zigbee is an IEEE 802.15.4-based specification for a suite of high-level communication protocols used to create personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios. There are several interesting systems that we can use to test, especially in the home automation (domotica) area. For example, automated door locks, automated control of lighting, heating etc.
Because the Zigbee standard and its products are quite new, we see many problems. There are problems with security, non-conformance to the standard, and interoperability problems. Especially the latter are interesting to model and test.
Possible research questions:
- Are IoT protocols suitable for model based testing?
- Can we model the Zigbee protocol with a state-of-the art toolset like the Axini modeling Suite? Where necessary extend the theory and the toolset to solve the problems.
- How well implemented are the Zigbee protocols?
Expected deliverables:
- An evaluation of applying model based testing to one or more IoT protocols.
- A proof of concept to show the viability of the chosen approach.
- Improvements in the MBT theory and toolset.