3.6. Routing Metrics and Constraints Used by RPL

Routing metrics are used by routing protocols to compute shortest paths. Interior Gateway Protocols (IGPs) such as IS-IS ([RFC5120]) and OSPF ([RFC4915]) use static link metrics. Such link metrics can simply reflect the bandwidth or can also be computed according to a polynomial function of several metrics defining different link characteristics. Some routing protocols support more than one metric: in the vast majority of the cases, one metric is used per (sub-)topology. Less often, a second metric may be used as a tiebreaker in the presence of Equal Cost Multiple Paths (ECMPs). The optimization of multiple metrics is known as an NP-complete problem and is sometimes supported by some centralized path computation engine.

In contrast, LLNs do require the support of both static and dynamic metrics. Furthermore, both link and node metrics are required. In the case of RPL, it is virtually impossible to define one metric, or even a composite metric, that will satisfy all use cases.

In addition, RPL supports constraint-based routing where constraints may be applied to both link and nodes. If a link or a node does not satisfy a required constraint, it is "pruned" from the candidate neighbor set, thus leading to a constrained shortest path.

An Objective Function specifies the objectives used to compute the (constrained) path. Furthermore, nodes are configured to support a set of metrics and constraints and select their parents in the DODAG according to the metrics and constraints advertised in the DIO messages. Upstream and Downstream metrics may be merged or advertised separately depending on the OF and the metrics. When they are advertised separately, it may happen that the set of DIO parents is different from the set of DAO parents (a DAO parent is a node to which unicast DAO messages are sent). Yet, all are DODAG parents with regard to the rules for Rank computation.

The Objective Function is decoupled from the routing metrics and constraints used by RPL. Whereas the OF dictates rules such as DODAG parent selection, load balancing, and so on, the set of metrics and/or constraints used, and thus those that determine the preferred path, are based on the information carried within the DAG container option in DIO messages.

The set of supported link/node constraints and metrics is specified in [RFC6551].

Example 1: Shortest path: path offering the shortest end-to-end delay.

Example 2: Shortest Constrained path: the path that does not traverse any battery-operated node and that optimizes the path reliability.