ContikiNG

ContikiNG is an open-source, event-driven operating system designed for Internet of Things devices with strict resource constraints. It is a continuation and modernization of the original Contiki OS, aimed at running on low-power microcontrollers and wireless sensor networks while providing a platform for interoperable, standards-based IoT development.

Key features include an energy-efficient, cooperative multitasking model based on protothreads, which enables running multiple tasks on devices with limited RAM. ContikiNG provides a modular networking stack for IPv6 over low-power wireless technologies, including 6LoWPAN and routing with RPL in low-power and lossy networks. It includes the Erbium CoAP stack for constrained applications and supports secure communication, such as DTLS/TLS, where hardware allows. The project also integrates with Cooja, Contiki’s network simulator, enabling emulation and testing of large-scale deployments.

The operating system targets a broad range of hardware platforms common in IoT, especially ARM Cortex-M series, MSP430, and AVR-based boards, and is designed to be portable to additional 8/16/32-bit MCUs. Development is conducted in C, with a focus on portability, energy efficiency, and ease of prototyping for IoT applications.

ContikiNG emerged as a community-driven fork of Contiki OS, intended to address modernization needs, broaden platform support, and improve maintenance. It is widely used in academia and industry for research and development involving constrained-network protocols and IoT deployments, supported by a global community and comprehensive documentation and tutorials.