Low-Power and Lossy Networks (LLNs) are a class of network in which both the routers and their interconnect are constrained. LLN routers typically operate with constraints on processing power@ memory@ and energy (battery power). Their interconnects are characterized by high loss rates@ low data rates@ and instability. LLNs are comprised of anything from a few dozen to thousands of routers. Supported traffic flows include point-to-point (between devices inside the LLN)@ point-to-multipoint (from a central control point to a subset of devices inside the LLN)@ and multipoint-to-point (from devices inside the LLN towards a central control point). This document specifies the IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL)@ which provides a mechanism whereby multipoint-to-point traffic from devices inside the LLN towards a central control point as well as point-to-multipoint traffic from the central control point to the devices inside the LLN are supported. Support for point-to-point traffic is also available.
RFC 6550-2012 history
2012RFC 6550-2012 RPL: IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks