This paper investigates a co-design framework for wireless networked control systems (WNCSs) that integrates multi-hop IEEE 802.15.4-based links under Wi-Fi interference, addressing the challenges of signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) degradation in adverse industrial environments. Multihop configurations are essential for extending the operational range and improving SINR in harsh propagation conditions, but they introduce trade-offs in control stability, latency, and computational complexity. We investigate the impact of multi-hop communication on system performance, comparing Bernoulli and Markovian control strategies. Our results demonstrate that multihop links effectively extend the operational range and mitigate SINR degradation, but at the cost of increased latency and computational cost. We analyze the spectral radius of the system stability verification matrix and control costs for Bernoulli and Markovian control strategies, illustrating that network latency and hop counts can be balanced while maintaining the stability of the multi-hop WNCS. Markovian strategy, although more computationally intensive, outperforms Bernoulli strategy under high interference, offering a robust solution for industrial WNCSs. The proposed framework provides a practical approach for deploying reliable WNCSs in interference-prone environments.

Technological advances in the telecommunications industry have brought significant advantages in the management and performance of communication networks. The railway industry is among the ones that have benefited the most. These interconnected systems, however, have a wide area exposed to cyberattacks. This survey examines the cybersecurity aspects of railway systems by considering the standards, guidelines, frameworks, and technologies used in the industry to assess and mitigate cybersecurity risks, particularly regarding the relationship between safety and security. To do so, we dedicate specific attention to signaling, which fundamental reliance on computer and communication technologies allows us to explore better the multifaceted nature of the security of modern hyperconnected railway systems. With this in mind, we then move on to analyzing the approaches and tools that practitioners can use to facilitate the cyber security process. In detail, we present a view on cyber ranges as an enabling technology to model and emulate computer networks and attack-defense scenarios, study vulnerabilities’ impact, and finally devise countermeasures. We also discuss several possible use cases strongly connected to the railway industry reality.

The challenges in analysis and co-design of wireless networked control systems are well highlighted by considering wireless industrial control protocols. In this perspective, this paper addresses the modeling and design challenge by focusing on WirelessHART, which is a networking protocol stack widely adopted for wireless industrial automation. Specifically, we first develop and validate a Markov channel model that abstracts the WirelessHART radio link subject to channel impairments and interference. The link quality metrics introduced in the theoretical framework are validated in order to enable the accurate representation of the average and extreme behavior of the radio link. By adopting these metrics, it is straightforward to handle a consistent finite-state abstraction. On the basis of such a model, we then derive a stationary Markov jump linear system model that captures the dynamics of a control loop closed over the radio link. Subsequently, we show that our modeling framework is able to discover and manage the challenging subtleties arising from bursty behavior. A relevant theoretical outcome consists in designing a controller that guarantees stability and improves control performance of the closed-loop system, where other approaches based on a simplified channel model fail.

Life expectancy is projected to increase significantly in the coming years. This fact has pushed the need for designing new and more pervasive healthcare systems. In this field, distributed and networked embedded systems, such as Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), are the most suitable technology to achieve continuous monitoring of aged people for their own safety, without affecting their daily activities. This paper proposes recent advancements in this field by introducing WSN4QoL, a Marie Curie project which involves academic and industrial partners from three EU countries. The project aims to propose new WSN-based technologies to meet the specific requirements of pervasive healthcare applications. In particular, in this paper, a Network Coding (NC) mechanism and a distributed localization solution are presented. They have been implemented on WSN testbeds to achieve efficiency in the communications and to enable indoor people tracking. Preliminary results in a real environment show good system performance that meet our expectations.

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are fostering pervasive healthcare applications, where people are remotely monitored, without the full time assistance of professional care-givers. A key enabling element is the possibility to locate people in indoor environments, especially in emergency situations. Framed within the WSN4QoL project, this paper proposes the use of a ray tracing model for network planning, to support efficient people localization and performance analysis. Preliminary results show accurate radio coverage estimations, with a minimal calibration effort.