IoT Architecture (Vol-2): - Importance of Layered structure in IoT reference models
- Tushar Das
- Jan 23, 2022
- 5 min read
In the previous volume we have talked about the importance of an IOT Architecture, its challenges and way forward. I have discussed that there is no single, agreed-upon IoT architecture available in the current IoT Eco-system. Hence different industry bodies & technology forums follow the baseline of a multi-layered IoT framework to define their architecture and reference models.
Before we start explaining the need of the Layered structure in IoT, we should reiterate that the foundation concepts of all these IoT architectures are based on a principle that is
It starts with collection of DATA from smart devices, communicating the DATA through different communication networks and at last analysing the DATA to trigger appropriate actions. In these conceptual IoT ecosystem there are multiple factors where technologies and technical players play their role to perform different functions. which can be represented in the following picture.
IOT Solution deployment is normally an amalgamation of different devices, technologies, protocols, services from different vendors. It integrates the flow of information from the sensors to the applications involving a process of translation and normalization of services from all participants across the technology stack & technology vendors to deliver a use case. Each of the players has at least one or more business role.
This layered structure simplifies the process of collection, communication, data management / processing and allows the solution to interact with each other (vendor components). A layered structure helps to
Decompose the IoT issues into smaller parts.
Manage interoperability by adding flexibilities of options for individual technology vendors to develop products and services for a specific layer.
Identify and establish relations with different technologies at each layer and how they interact with one another
To define a System in which different parts can be provided by different vendors
Have a process of defining interfaces that leads to better interoperability
Define a tiered security model that is enforced at the transition point between levels
The base model of Layered architecture started with a three-layer concept and then further expanded to Four, Five- & Seven-Layer models.
THE THREE LAYER ARCHITECTURE
The basic model of three-layer architecture as shown in the picture. The presentation of the Core IoT functional stack in three layers is meant to simplify our understanding of the IoT architecture into its most foundational building blocks. It was introduced in the early stages of research in this area. Three layers are namely
Perception Layer - converting analog signals into digital data and vice versa. Perception layer belongs to the world of sensors, actuators and smart devices. At this level, data production is done.
Network Layer - Enabling Connectivity & efficient transmission of DATA. It connects the smart objects to the application layer. It carries data collected from the sensors and sends the same to the application using wireless or wire-based network communication systems.
Application Layer – DATA management & Analysis. Application layer defines all applications that use the IoT technology or in which IoT has deployed. At this layer, information is analysed by software to give answers to key business questions. There are hundreds of IoT applications that vary in complexity and function, using different technology stacks and operating systems
THE FOUR LAYER ARCHITECTURE
This framework adds an additional layer in between L2 and L3 – Called “SUPPORT” Layer. This layer was primarily perceived to provide additional security aspect to the three-layered structure. This layer has two primary responsibilities
a. It confirms that data is forwarded by the authentic users and its prevented from threats.
b. Secondly this layer works as a bridge between network layer and the application layer .
This model is not widely followed.
THE FIVE LAYER ARCHITECTURE
This framework added two additional layers on the Three Layer Architecture. The names of these newly proposed layers are PROCESSING LAYER (also known as Middleware layer) and BUSINESS LAYER.
Business layer – This resides on top of the Application layer. It is primarily for adding value by to the applications layer with separate mechanisms for analysis of data & creating reports. It ensures the intended business logic of the application is served by this layer reducing the complexity of the application layer limiting it to computation. This layer was designed primarily to manage the end-to-end business case across layers.
Processing layer – It process the information’s received from the lower layer and it performs a task of eliminating the unnecessary data overhead by removing data which doesn’t add any value. It lowers the pressure on the network and enhances performance.
THE SEVEN LAYER ARCHITECTURE
The seven-layer architecture is not very commonly used. Its primarily followed by the IoTWF standardized architecture but it significantly adds value to the entire proposed framework and surely provide a very robust model and architectural design.
It is often necessary to deploy IoT applications and data management throughout the architecture in a tiered approach, allowing data collection, analytics & intelligent controls at multiple points in the IoT system. In this architecture model four additional layers are added to the basic architecture. Three of which are added in between Layer-2 & Layer-3 (of the basic Reference model) and one layer added on the top of Layer3 (Application Layer). It creates a distributed data processing & computation model above the Smart things and below the application systems.
Layer 3-
Edge computing – The information processing is initiated as early and as close to the edge of the network as possible. Goal is to reduce data by filtering, aggregating, conversion and make it ready for storage and processing by higher layers.
Layer 4-
Data Accumulation, ingestion, harvesting and storage.
Layer 5-
Data reporting, mining, abstraction, machine learning and analysis of data, data virtualization.
Layer 7 –
Collaboration, transformational decisions. This layer can change the business process and deliver the true benefits of IoT.
ADVANTAGES OF A LAYERED ARCHITECTURE
Reduced deployment & operation costs
Focussed R&D efforts
Easier Application building
Easier integration between solution components
Sustainable investments
No vendor locking
Ability to benefit from further evolutions of the standard as it grows
Improved Opportunities
Ability to share and reuse data across vertical applications
Ability to interconnect with other IOT systems
Fostering of new applications and new business models
CONCLUSION
Hence different industry bodies have developed their own reference models over the years keeping in mind the need of interoperability by adding flexibilities of options for individual technology vendors to develop products and services which can work efficiently on a number of architectural layers depending on a particular business task.
The most prominent of them are oneM2M, IoTWF, ETSI, IIC. In the next volume I will talk those different IOT architectures and reference models by different industry bodies.
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