VNetOS: Virtualised Distributed and Parallel Sensor Network Operating Environment for the IoT and SHM

Dealing with distributed and parallel computing in strong heterogeneous environments, e.g., distributed sensor networks, is still a challenge on algorithmic, communication, and application level. Heterogeneity is related to different computer and network (communication) architectures. Virtualisation can hide and unify heterogeneity. Beside inter-process communication and synchronisation the unified access and monitoring of computing nodes (devices, computers, processors) is required to handle distributed and parallel systems in a comfortable and easy-to-access manner. Especially in education the access and control of a large set of computing nodes is difficult and lowers the learning curve significantly. In this work, a unified distributed and parallel framework and Web tools are introduced using Virtual Machines (VM) and Web browsers to control them. The framework enables the control, monitoring, and study of distributed-parallel systems, especially addressing sensor networks and IoT networks. Nodes can be arranged in a graphical drawing world or script-based. Virtual network nodes are assigned to VM instances that can be created inside the browser using Web worker processes or can be attached to externally running VM instances via a Web control API. New VM instances or processes can be started and controlled instantly. The graphical UI provides access to the nodes, programming editors, and monitor shells. The VMs can be generic, but in this work there is a focus on JavaScript, Lua, and an agent platform.