MeshNetics OpenMAC

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OpenMAC is MeshNetics' open source implementation of IEEE 802.15.4 Media Access Control (MAC) layer.  MAC layer forms the basis of MeshNetics eZeeNet software stack, and provides support to peer-to-peer and start network topologies. 

OpenMAC has been ported to several AVR-based platforms, including MeshNetics' own ZigBit OEM Module and Atmel's RF Accessory (RZ502) and Demonstration (RZ200) Kits.  It is supplied complete with code samples and device drivers for each of the supported platforms.

MeshNetics OpenMAC has the following goals:

• enabled users, who do not require full functionality of MeshNetics eZeeNet Software Stack, to develop custom WSN applications around MeshNetics ZigBit modules
• enabled advanced users to modify OpenMAC internals to suit specific application needs
• jump start application development on top of MAC with thoroughly documented sample applications
• provide a convenient C API to developers not familiar with TinyOS or nesC programming language (technologies at the core of OpenMAC)
• provide a reference design to be ported to analogous hardware platforms

OpenMAC is production code and is included, virtually unaltered, in MeshNetics eZeeNet software.  It is heavily commented and comes with extensive documentation. 

OpenMAC and eZeeNet Software Stack

OpenMAC is MeshNetics' implementation of IEEE 802.15.4 MAC layer.  The MAC layer handles all access to the physical radio channel and is responsible for the following tasks:

• Generating network beacons if the device is a coordinator.
• Synchronizing to the beacons.
• Supporting sensor network association and disassociation.
• Supporting device security
• Mediating access to radio channel shared by multiple peers
• Handling and maintaining the GTS mechanism.
• Providing a reliable link between two peer MAC-capable devices.

The MAC layer lies at the core of eZeeNet Software, and is a fundmental building block upon which high-level tasks like mesh networking and multi-hop routing depend.  Diagram below shows MAC layer in the overall architecture of eZeeNet software stack.

ZigBee Stack Architecture and MeshNetics OpenMAC

Applications

MeshNetics OpenMAC is ideal for the following wireless application scenarios:

• point-to-point remote control
• wire replacement for point-to-point and star-like wire links
• single hop networks with a large number of end-devices
• applications with hard bounds on latency of data transmission and/or distributed synchronization 

How to Get Started

OpenMAC source code and documentation are hosted on SourceForge.Net. Click here to access the OnpenMAC Project downloads.  

You may purchase OpenMAC-supported hardware directly from MeshNetics.com.