Abstract:
In recent times, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are broadly applied in the Industrial
Internet of Things (IIoT) in order to enhance the productivity and efficiency of existing and prospective
manufacturing industries. In particular, an area of interest that concerns the use of WSNs in IIoT
is the concept of sensor network virtualization and overlay networks. Both network virtualization
and overlay networks are considered contemporary because they provide the capacity to create
services and applications at the edge of existing virtual networks without changing the underlying
infrastructure. This capability makes both network virtualization and overlay network services
highly beneficial, particularly for the dynamic needs of IIoT based applications such as in smart
industry applications, smart city, and smart home applications. Consequently, the study of both WSN
virtualization and overlay networks has become highly patronized in the literature, leading to the
growth and maturity of the research area. In line with this growth, this paper provides a review
of the development made thus far concerning virtualized sensor networks, with emphasis on the
application of overlay networks in IIoT. Principally, the process of virtualization in WSN is discussed
along with its importance in IIoT applications. Different challenges in WSN are also presented along
with possible solutions given by the use of virtualized WSNs. Further details are also presented
concerning the use of overlay networks as the next step to supporting virtualization in shared sensor
networks. Our discussion closes with an exposition of the existing challenges in the use of virtualized
WSN for IIoT applications. In general, because overlay networks will be contributory to the future
development and advancement of smart industrial and smart city applications, this review may be
considered by researchers as a reference point for those particularly interested in the study of this
growing field.
