Open research issues on management of industrial wireless sensor systems applied to process automation

Industrial wireless networks are a key technology for the implementation of the Industry 4.0 concepts. Due to its advantages in relation to wired networks, such as flexibility and low cost of installation, these networks are gaining momentum in the recent years. Wireless networks are becoming even more attractive for industrial applications and consequently an increase is expected in the number of wireless devices connected to industrial applications. As a result, efficient network management becomes even more relevant, and consequently new techniques are necessary to cope with new demands. Network management tasks, such as routing, scheduling, coexistence awareness, and mobility, have been in focus of scientific community. However, several important research questions remain open. This paper presents recent works on industrial wireless networks management techniques in addition with the presentation of open research issues.