# A Reference Model for Monitoring IoT WSN-Based Applications
## 6 Conclusions  
The Internet of Things has changed the way designers must deal with Wireless Sensor Networks. From ad-hoc, specific WSN deployments, IoT environments require that new WSNs will be able to integrate into a complete IoT ecosystem in a compatible way. The availability of appropriate monitoring platforms (WSN-MPs) is required to validate and certificate new WSNs' behavior. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt} p{113.8 pt}} \hline \multicolumn{5}{c}{**MONITORING LAYER**} \\ \hline \multicolumn{5}{c}{**Capture Subsystem**} \\ \hline
**MDP** & **Probes** & **Analysis Subsystem** & \begin{tabular}{c} **Visualization \&** \\ _Control Subsystem_ \\ \end{tabular} & \
\begin{tabular}{c} **INFORMATION** \\ **LAYER** \\ \end{tabular} &
\begin{tabular}{c} **INTERCHANGE** \\ **LAYER** \\ \end{tabular} \\ \hline \multicolumn{5}{c}{_Communication events:_} \\ \hline \multicolumn{5}{c}{_Transmission\_Error_} \\ \hline \multicolumn{5}{c}{_Routing\_Error_} \\ \hline \multicolumn{5}{c}{_Transmission\_success_} \\ \hline \multicolumn{5}{c}{_Equtured\_Frame_} \\ \hline \multicolumn{5}{c}{_Mote\_state_} \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 3: Sample WSN-MP characterization. The bibliographical study of the different WSN-MP proposals has shown the need to dispose of a systematic methodology for the analysis and design of these systems. To cover this lack, this paper proposes a reference model that systematizes the comparative analysis of present and future WSN-MPs and aids in the design of new ones. The proposed model is based on the division of the monitoring issue into three layers: a Monitoring Layer that focuses on relevant information: data capture, analysis and visualization, an Information Layer the deals with information coherence: data format, synchronization and triggering and finally, an Interchange Layer that supports information management: communication and storage. Examples of both analysis and design have been presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model. In the analysis example, several platforms from the literature have been selected and analyzed. As a result, it has been corroborated that this methodology is easily applicable to any WSN-MP, in a flexible and standard way, obtaining all necessary information that allows easily extract its comparative characteristics. On the other hand, in the design example, it has been shown how, starting from initial specifications and applying the proposed model, it could be possible by combining off-the-shelf modules in an easy way, to obtain the design of a WSN-MP that meets those requirements. Moreover, the WSN-MPs designed with this model cover all stages of the life cycle of a WSN. Additionally, this model can be used for future certification processes of WSNs in IoT-based applications. The proposed model is ready to be applied in the analysis, but in order to design new WSN-MPs it is necessary to continue with the specification of the interfaces between layers and the research and development of protocols and services of each layer. This will allow the development of universally accepted standards. New platforms implemented following this model will maintain the advantages of standardization (reuse and interchangeability of hardware and software, independence between layers, isolated resolution of each task associated with a layer, data intercommunication between platforms, etc.) without losing the necessary specialization, keeping the ability to optimize for the WSN and the appropriated parameters to be monitored depending on the application characteristics. These desired characteristics may include, beyond compatibility issues, parameters such as dependability, bounded response time, early detection of coverage loss and mobility management. The proposed model opens several research areas. In terms of standardization, interfaces and protocols must be defined. In terms of development, the best suitable options for each of the services must be selected.