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IoT World Forum Standardized Architecture

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The IoT World Forum (IoTWF) Standardized Architecture, published in 2014 by a committee led by companies like Cisco, IBM, and Rockwell Automation, provides a foundational reference model for understanding and building Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Its primary purpose is to simplify the complex challenge of IoT by breaking it down into manageable components, enabling interoperability between different vendors’ products, and establishing a framework for security.

Purpose of the IoTWF Standardized Architecture:

  • Decomposition of Complexity: It helps to divide the intricate IoT problem into smaller, more manageable parts, making it easier to design, implement, and manage IoT systems.
  • Interoperability: It facilitates the use of components from various vendors within a single IoT system by defining interfaces and promoting standardized communication.
  • Technology Identification: It helps identify the different technologies employed at each stage of an IoT solution and how they interact.
  • Tiered Security Model: It provides a framework for implementing security at different layers of the IoT system, ensuring data and system integrity.
  • Simplified Visualization: It offers a clear and concise way to visualize IoT from a technical perspective, aiding in understanding and communication.

Seven Layers of the IoTWF Standardized Architecture:

The IoTWF architecture consists of seven distinct layers, with data generally flowing “northbound” (up the stack) from the edge devices to the more centralized processing layers.

  1. Physical Devices and Controllers Layer (Things):

    • This is the foundational layer, encompassing the actual “things” of the IoT.
    • It includes endpoint devices, sensors, and actuators that generate data and can be queried or controlled over a network.
    • Examples: smart sensors, machinery, wearable devices, cameras.

  2. Connectivity Layer:

    • This layer focuses on the reliable and timely transmission of data.
    • It bridges the gap between the physical devices and the network, ensuring data can flow smoothly to higher layers (e.g., edge computing or the cloud).
    • It involves various communication technologies and protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, LPWAN).

  3. Edge Computing Layer:

    • Also known as “Cloud Edge” or “Cloud Gateway” computing.
    • This layer performs data processing, analysis, and decision-making at or near the network’s edge, close to the devices.
    • Key functions include: protocol conversion, data filtering, data reduction, and local analytics to enable faster responses and reduce network load.

  4. Data Accumulation Layer:

    • This layer acts as a data storage warehouse for the large amounts of data generated by IoT systems.
    • It’s responsible for capturing incoming data and preparing it for further processing and analysis by higher layers.
    • It often converts event-based data into a format suitable for query-based processing.

  5. Data Abstraction Layer:

    • The purpose of this layer is to make sense of the accumulated data.
    • It reconciles multiple data formats, ensures consistent semantics from various sources, and consolidates data (often through virtualization) to present a unified view.
    • This layer prepares the data for use by various applications.

  6. Application Layer:

    • This is where the real action happens, providing the software applications that interpret and utilize the processed data.
    • Applications at this layer perform monitoring, control, reporting, and provide user interfaces (e.g., dashboards, mobile apps) based on data analysis.
    • Examples: smart home control apps, industrial monitoring systems, predictive maintenance applications.

  7. Collaboration and Processes Layer:

    • The topmost layer, integrating the entire IoT system with human interaction and business processes.
    • It consumes and shares application information, enabling users to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and derive real-world value from the IoT data.
    • This layer transforms raw data and insights into tangible business benefits, leading to improved efficiency, new services, or enhanced user experiences.

Diagram

+----------------------------------------+
| 7. Collaboration and Processes         |
+----------------------------------------+
| 6. Application                         |
+----------------------------------------+
| 5. Data Abstraction                    |
+----------------------------------------+
| 4. Data Accumulation                   |
+----------------------------------------+
| 3. Edge Computing                      |
+----------------------------------------+
| 2. Connectivity                        |
+----------------------------------------+
| 1. Physical Devices and Controllers    |
+----------------------------------------+
| (Security across all layers)           |
+----------------------------------------+

Graph View

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