celkern

CelKern is a modular open-source microkernel designed for resource-constrained devices with cellular connectivity. It provides a minimal, secure kernel core with user-space services for networking, device management, and application execution. The design emphasizes a small footprint, deterministic scheduling, and strong isolation between services.

Origin and development: CelKern was developed by the CelTech collaboration in the late 2010s as a research and practical platform for cellular IoT devices. The project released its first public version in 2019 under an open-source license. Subsequent major releases added modular service frameworks, OTA update mechanisms, and enhanced security features, with ongoing community and industry involvement.

Architecture: CelKern follows a microkernel architecture with IPC-based communication and capability-based security. Core responsibilities include low-level scheduling, interrupt handling, and isolation of services. The system ships several optional services such as CelNet (cellular networking), CelModem (modem control), CelStore (configuration and state), and CelAuth (access control). It runs on ARM Cortex-M and RISC-V platforms and aims to provide POSIX-like user-space interfaces for compatibility with existing applications.

Features and usage: The kernel emphasizes low memory usage, deterministic latency, secure boot, and OTA updates. It supports remote management, modular drivers, and sandboxed services. Typical deployments include IoT gateways, remote monitoring stations, and telematics devices in automotive or industrial environments.

Reception and assessment: CelKern is noted for its security focus and compact footprint, but the ecosystem of drivers and tooling remains smaller than more established operating systems. Some practitioners cite the learning curve and integration effort required for device vendors.

See also: microkernel, embedded systems, IoT, cellular networks.