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--- en:iot-reloaded:iot_network_components [2024/12/03 16:45] – pczekalski
+++ en:iot-reloaded:iot_network_components [2025/05/13 14:51] (current) – [Components of IoT Network Architectures] pczekalski
@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 IoT Network Architecture is composed of a variety of layers, including Edge-class IoT devices such as sensors and actuators, access points enabling devices to connect to the Internet and services, fog-class devices performing preliminary data processing such as aggregation and conversion, core Internet network and finally a set of cloud services for data storage and advanced data processing. A sample model is present in figure {{ref>networkinginf1}}.
 <figure networkinginf1>
-{{ :en:iot-reloaded:network_infrastructure_iot_new.drawio.png?700 | IoT Network Architecture Components}}
+{{ :en:iot-reloaded:network_infrastructure_iot_new.drawio.png?780 | IoT Network Architecture Components}}
 <caption>IoT Network Architecture Components</caption>
 </figure>
-=====  IoT nodes =====
+=====  IoT Nodes =====
-IoT nodes are the fundamental building blocks of an IoT system, enabling the capture, processing, and transmission of data across connected devices. These nodes often operate in energy-constrained environments and are connected to an access point, which links them to the internet, using low-power communication technologies (LPCT). These technologies enable cost-effective, reliable connectivity while adhering to the limitations of battery-operated or energy-harvesting devices. They encompass wireless access technologies at the physical layer for establishing connectivity and application layer communication protocols for managing data exchange over IP networks.
+IoT nodes are the fundamental building blocks of an IoT system, enabling the capture, processing, and transmission of data across connected devices. These nodes often operate in energy-constrained environments and are connected to an access point, which links them to the Internet, using low-power communication technologies (LPCT). These technologies enable cost-effective, reliable connectivity while adhering to the limitations of battery-operated or energy-harvesting devices. They encompass wireless access technologies at the physical layer for establishing connectivity and application layer communication protocols for managing data exchange over IP networks.
  **Wireless Access Technologies**
@@ Line 44: / Line 44: @@
   * Wide-Area Coverage: Reliable communication over distances of several kilometres, even in challenging environments.
-  * Ultra-Low Power Operation: Prolonged battery life for IoT devices, minimizing maintenance.
+  * Ultra-Low Power Operation: Prolonged battery life for IoT devices, minimising maintenance.
   * Low-Cost Connectivity: Reduces both CAPEX and OPEX, making IoT deployments more economical.
   * Scalability: Supports the connection of thousands or millions of devices in a single network.
@@ Line 73: / Line 73: @@
   * A TCP-based publish-subscribe protocol ideal for IoT systems requiring real-time data exchange.
   * Utilises a central message broker to distribute packets between publishers and subscribers.
-  * MQTT-SN (Sensor Network): A variant optimized for UDP, reducing overhead for constrained networks.
+  * MQTT-SN (Sensor Network): A variant optimised for UDP, reducing overhead for constrained networks.
 **3. Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP):**
@@ Line 88: / Line 88: @@
 IoT nodes rely on advanced wireless access technologies and application layer protocols to establish seamless connectivity, optimise energy efficiency, and support diverse use cases. The selection of these technologies should align with the application's specific requirements, ensuring a balance between performance, scalability, and cost. With the rise of LPWAN and lightweight communication protocols, IoT systems are increasingly capable of supporting massive, energy-efficient deployments in various domains, from smart cities to industrial automation.
-===== The IoT Gateway node =====
+===== The IoT Gateway Node =====
-The Internet of Things (IoT) Gateway is a pivotal component in IoT ecosystems, serving as the interface between IoT devices—such as sensors, actuators, and edge nodes—and the broader network infrastructure, including cloud platforms and external data analytics systems. The gateway facilitates seamless data transmission, device management, and integration, enabling efficient communication within the IoT network. By bridging IoT nodes that cannot directly communicate with each other or the internet, IoT gateways are vital in ensuring interoperability and scalability across diverse devices and protocols.
+The IoT Gateway is a pivotal component in IoT ecosystems, serving as the interface between IoT devices—such as sensors, actuators, and edge nodes—and the broader network infrastructure, including cloud platforms and external data analytics systems. The gateway facilitates seamless data transmission, device management, and integration, enabling efficient communication within the IoT network. By bridging IoT nodes that cannot directly communicate with each other or the Internet, IoT gateways are vital in ensuring interoperability and scalability across diverse devices and protocols.
-==== Core Functions of IoT Gateway nodes ====
+==== Core Functions of IoT Gateway Nodes ====
 IoT gateways serve multiple essential functions that enhance the overall effectiveness of IoT deployments:
@@ Line 118: / Line 118: @@
   * Reduced Latency: Local processing enables real-time decision-making, which is critical for time-sensitive applications such as healthcare or industrial automation.
-  * Bandwidth Optimization: Gateways reduce the overall network load by filtering and aggregating data before transmission to the cloud.
+  * Bandwidth Optimisation: Gateways reduce the overall network load by filtering and aggregating data before transmission to the cloud.
   * Enhanced Security: Localised data processing limits the exposure of sensitive information to external threats.
   * Autonomous Operation: In environments with intermittent connectivity, gateways with edge computing can function autonomously, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
@@ Line 129: / Line 129: @@
   * Smart Cities: WiFi-enabled gateways support high-speed communication for smart lighting, traffic management, and public safety systems.
   * Healthcare IoT: Gateways integrated with BLE or WiFi connect wearable devices to centralised systems for real-time patient monitoring and diagnostics.
-  * Industrial IoT (IIoT): Gateways facilitate predictive maintenance and process optimization by connecting sensors in manufacturing or logistics environments.
+  * Industrial IoT (IIoT): Gateways facilitate predictive maintenance and process optimisation by connecting sensors in manufacturing or logistics environments.
 IoT gateways are indispensable for creating seamless, secure, and efficient IoT networks. By bridging diverse devices, translating protocols, and enabling edge computing, these gateways ensure the scalability and functionality of IoT solutions across industries. Their integration with modern wireless technologies and edge devices makes them a cornerstone for the growing adoption of IoT in real-world applications.
 ===== Fog and Edge Computing Nodes =====
-In the rapidly expanding Internet of Things (IoT) landscape, fog and edge computing nodes play a critical role in bridging the gap between IoT devices and centralised cloud computing infrastructure. These nodes decentralise data processing, bringing computational resources closer to the source of data generation, enhancing responsiveness, reducing latency, and alleviating the load on cloud data centres. While "fog computing" and "edge computing" are often used interchangeably, they have distinct scopes. Fog computing is a broader architecture integrating processing at intermediate layers, such as gateways or local servers. In contrast, edge computing focuses on computations directly at or near the device level. These approaches offer a synergistic framework for efficient, real-time, and scalable IoT systems.
+In the rapidly expanding Internet of Things landscape, fog and edge computing nodes are critical in bridging the gap between IoT devices and centralised cloud computing infrastructure. These nodes decentralise data processing, bringing computational resources closer to the source of data generation, enhancing responsiveness, reducing latency, and alleviating the load on cloud data centres. While "fog computing" and "edge computing" are often used interchangeably, they have distinct scopes. Fog computing is a broader architecture integrating processing at intermediate layers, such as gateways or local servers. In contrast, edge computing focuses on computations directly at or near the device level. These approaches offer a synergistic framework for efficient, real-time, scalable IoT systems.
 **Key Characteristics of Fog and Edge Computing**
@@ Line 240: / Line 240: @@
-===== Internet core networks =====
+===== Internet Core Networks =====
-Internet core networks are the backbone of the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling seamless connectivity and data exchange between billions of devices and cloud computing platforms. These networks are integral to the operation of IoT systems, ensuring the reliable transmission of vast amounts of data generated by interconnected sensors, actuators, and devices, collectively called IoT nodes.
+Internet core networks are the backbone of the Internet of Things, enabling seamless connectivity and data exchange between billions of devices and cloud computing platforms. These networks are integral to the operation of IoT systems, ensuring the reliable transmission of vast amounts of data generated by interconnected sensors, actuators, and devices, collectively called IoT nodes.
 IoT nodes capture and generate significant data volumes that need to be processed to extract actionable insights. This data journey involves two key communication paths:
@@ Line 263: / Line 263: @@
   * End-to-end Encryption: Ensures data confidentiality during transmission.
   * Secure Authentication Protocols: Protect against unauthorised access.
-  * Continuous Network Monitoring: Identifies and neutralizes threats in real-time.
+  * Continuous Network Monitoring: Identifies and neutralises threats in real-time.
 Without comprehensive security frameworks, IoT systems are vulnerable to breaches, data theft, and operational disruptions, which could compromise safety and reliability.
@@ Line 274: / Line 274: @@
 Even minor QoS degradation can result in severe consequences for applications such as autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and telemedicine, including operational failures or safety hazards.
-**Solutions for QoS Optimization:**
+**Solutions for QoS Optimisation:**
   * Traffic Prioritisation Mechanisms: Assign higher priority to time-sensitive data.
-  * Dynamic Network Optimization: Use intelligent routing to reduce bottlenecks.
+  * Dynamic Network Optimisation: Use intelligent routing to reduce bottlenecks.
   * Adaptive Bandwidth Allocation: Scale resources based on traffic demands.\\
 By ensuring consistent QoS, core networks can meet the stringent demands of real-time IoT applications.
@@ Line 337: / Line 337: @@
 Core networks can meet the evolving demands of IoT systems by adopting advanced technologies such as SDN, NFV, edge computing, and AI-driven management and implementing robust security measures and energy-efficient practices. These innovations will ensure a sustainable, secure, and efficient future for IoT, driving transformative advancements across industries in an increasingly connected world.
-===== Cloud computing data centres =====
+===== Cloud Computing Data Centres =====
-IoT devices are typically constrained by limited computational power and memory, so they rely heavily on cloud data centres for advanced analytics and data storage. IoT cloud computing represents the intersection of cloud technology and the rapidly expanding Internet of Things (IoT) domain, offering a robust framework for processing and managing the massive data streams of IoT devices.
+IoT devices are typically constrained by limited computational power and memory, so they rely heavily on cloud data centres for advanced analytics and data storage. IoT cloud computing represents the intersection of cloud technology and the rapidly expanding Internet of Things domain, offering a robust framework for processing and managing the massive data streams of IoT devices.
 Cloud computing has transformed IT operations, providing unparalleled advantages in cost-effectiveness, scalability, and flexibility. When combined with IoT, these benefits are amplified, enabling seamless access to a broad array of computing resources—ranging from software to infrastructure and platforms—delivered remotely over the Internet. This integration allows IoT devices to connect to cloud environments from virtually any location, enabling real-time data processing, efficient resource management, and dynamic scalability.
-By leveraging cloud computing, organisations can minimize the complexities and financial burdens of maintaining on-premises IT infrastructure. This capability accelerates the deployment of IoT solutions and reduces costs, empowering businesses to focus on innovation and growth rather than infrastructure management.
+By leveraging cloud computing, organisations can minimise the complexities and financial burdens of maintaining on-premises IT infrastructure. This capability accelerates the deployment of IoT solutions and reduces costs, empowering businesses to focus on innovation and growth rather than infrastructure management.
 **Key Benefits of IoT Cloud Computing**
@@ Line 358: / Line 358: @@
 End-to-End Encryption: Protects data during transmission and storage.
 Regular Updates and Patches: Ensures systems are safeguarded against emerging vulnerabilities.
-Robust Authentication Mechanisms: Prevents unauthorized access.
+Robust Authentication Mechanisms: Prevents unauthorised access.
 By outsourcing security to cloud providers, organisations can achieve a level of protection that would be costly and complex to maintain independently.
@@ Line 385: / Line 385: @@
 **1. Real-Time Insights:**\\
-Cloud-based analytics enable organizations to process and act on IoT data in real-time, improving decision-making and responsiveness. For example, in industrial automation, real-time data can predict equipment failures and trigger preventive actions, minimising downtime and costs.
+Cloud-based analytics enable organisations to process and act on IoT data in real-time, improving decision-making and responsiveness. For example, in industrial automation, real-time data can predict equipment failures and trigger preventive actions, minimising downtime and costs.
 **2. Enhanced Operational Efficiency:**\\
@@ Line 408: / Line 408: @@
 As the integration of these technologies continues to advance, IoT cloud computing will remain a driving force behind innovation and global connectivity, enabling a more innovative, more interconnected future.
-===== IoT Software applications =====
+===== IoT Software Applications =====
-The value of IoT lies not just in the devices themselves but in the software applications that leverage the data generated by these devices to provide actionable insights and drive automation. These software applications are at the heart of IoT solutions and can be designed for various purposes. Let's explore the different aspects of IoT applications in detail:
+IoT devices are naturally network-enabled and communication-oriented. For this reason, software development on any component of the IoT ecosystem requires a specific approach driven by communication requirements, energy efficiency, and other aspects of IoT network architecture.\\
+The value of IoT lies not just in the devices themselves but in the software applications that leverage the data generated by these devices to provide actionable insights and drive automation. These software applications are at the heart of IoT solutions and can be designed for various purposes. Let's explore the different aspects of IoT Software Applications in detail.
 **1. Monitoring**
-Monitoring is one of the most common IoT application categories. In this use case, IoT devices (such as sensors, cameras, or smart meters) continuously collect data about the environment, processes, or systems they are designed to observe. The role of the software application is to:
+Monitoring is one of the most common IoT application categories. In this use case, IoT devices (such as sensors, cameras, or smart meters) continuously collect data about the environment, processes, or systems they are designed to observe.\\ The role of the software application is to collect and aggregate data. \\
+The software interfaces with the devices to retrieve real-time data, such as temperature, humidity, energy consumption, or security status.
-Collect and aggregate data: The software interfaces with the devices to retrieve real-time data, such as temperature, humidity, energy consumption, or security status.
   * Analyse the data: Visualisation tools and dashboards allow users to view trends and patterns in real time, making it easy to monitor critical metrics.
   * Alert and notify: When the system detects anomalies or values that exceed predefined thresholds, the software can send alerts or notifications to stakeholders, such as technicians or facility managers.
@@ Line 472: / Line 472: @@
 The true value of IoT applications lies in their ability to convert raw data from connected devices into actionable insights, drive automation, and improve decision-making. Whether for monitoring, control, or automation, IoT applications are revolutionising industries by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing user experiences. As IoT technology evolves, the potential for even more advanced, intelligent, and integrated applications will only grow, further embedding IoT into our daily lives and business operations.
-===== IoT network security systems =====
+===== IoT Network Security Systems =====
-As the number of IoT devices grows, the need for robust security measures becomes even more critical. Protecting the sensitive data collected by these devices from unauthorized access, tampering, or misuse is paramount to ensure the integrity and privacy of users and organizations. Thus, network security systems should be considered when designing IoT networks and systems to ensure they're secure by design.
+Nowadays, virtually every IoT system processes sensitive data directly or indirectly. Many of those systems are mission-critical ones.\\
+As the number of IoT devices grows, the need for robust security measures becomes even more critical. Protecting the sensitive data collected by these devices from unauthorised access, tampering, or misuse is paramount to ensure the integrity and privacy of users and organisations. Thus, network security systems should be considered when designing IoT networks and systems to ensure they're secure by design.
 **Security in IoT Networks:** \\
@@ Line 480: / Line 481: @@
 **Key Security Measures**
-  * **Encryption**: Encryption is one of the most fundamental techniques used to protect data transmitted across IoT networks. It ensures that even if malicious actors intercept data, it remains unreadable without the appropriate decryption key. Both data at rest (stored data) and data in transit (data being transmitted) can be encrypted. IoT devices often use advanced encryption standards (AES), Transport Layer Security (TLS), or Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocols to safeguard the communication between devices and the cloud or other endpoints. This makes it difficult for attackers to gain meaningful access to sensitive data.
+  * **Encryption**: Encryption is one of the most fundamental techniques to protect data transmitted across IoT networks. It ensures that even if malicious actors intercept data, it remains unreadable without the appropriate decryption key. Both data at rest (stored data) and data in transit (data being transmitted) can be encrypted. IoT devices often use advanced encryption standards (AES), Transport Layer Security (TLS), or Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocols to safeguard the communication between devices and the cloud or other endpoints. This makes it difficult for attackers to gain meaningful access to sensitive data.
   * **Authentication**: Authentication verifies the identity of both the devices and the users interacting with the IoT network. With IoT systems often comprising many different types of devices, each with varying levels of capabilities, ensuring that only legitimate devices can join the network is critical. Authentication mechanisms can include device certificates, biometrics, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for users. Device authentication ensures that only authorised devices can communicate within the network, reducing the risk of a rogue or compromised device gaining access to sensitive information.
   * **Authorisation**: Once authenticated, the authorisation process dictates what actions a device or user can perform within the network. Authorisation systems define roles and permissions, ensuring that devices only have access to data and resources necessary for their function. For example, a smart thermostat may be authorised to adjust temperature settings but not to access user data stored in the cloud. This limits the potential impact of a compromised device by preventing it from performing unauthorised actions that could lead to data breaches or system failures.
@@ Line 486: / Line 487: @@
   * **Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)**: IoT networks are prone to cyberattacks, such as denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, malware, or unauthorised access attempts. Intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) are critical in identifying and blocking suspicious activities in real-time. These systems monitor the network for unusual behaviour patterns or unauthorised actions and respond promptly to mitigate potential threats before they can cause harm.
   * **Firmware and Software Updates**: Keeping devices' firmware and software up to date is essential to IoT security. Security vulnerabilities can be discovered in IoT devices over time. If these devices are not regularly updated with patches or new software versions, they can become easy targets for attackers. Many IoT devices now include features allowing remote updates, ensuring the system remains protected against newly discovered threats.
-  * **Secure Network Architecture**: The design of the IoT network itself plays a crucial role in security. Segmentation of the network can limit the scope of damage if a device is compromised. By creating isolated segments, IoT networks can minimize the impact of a breach, preventing attackers from moving laterally across the entire system. In addition, virtual private networks (VPNs) and private communication channels can enhance security further, protecting communication between devices and their control centres.
+  * **Secure Network Architecture**: The design of the IoT network itself plays a crucial role in security. Segmentation of the network can limit the scope of damage if a device is compromised. By creating isolated segments, IoT networks can minimise the impact of a breach, preventing attackers from moving laterally across the entire system. In addition, virtual private networks (VPNs) and private communication channels can enhance security further, protecting communication between devices and their control centres.
   * **Physical Security**: Physical security is also an essential aspect of IoT device protection besides cyber threats. Devices located in publicly accessible places or vulnerable environments can be tampered with or stolen, leading to a loss of control or data misuse. Protecting IoT devices physically through tamper-resistant hardware, secure storage solutions, and proper disposal methods ensures that attackers cannot quickly gain unauthorised access by physically compromising a device.
   * **Challenges in IoT Security**: While these security measures are critical, implementing them in IoT networks presents several challenges. Many IoT devices have limited computational power and storage, making implementing complex encryption or authentication mechanisms difficult. Additionally, the sheer volume of IoT devices increases the attack surface, making monitoring and responding to every threat more challenging. Moreover, the rapid pace of IoT innovation and the frequent introduction of new devices and technologies can lead to inconsistent security practices across the industry, leaving gaps that attackers can exploit.

en/iot-reloaded/iot_network_components.1733244302.txt.gz · Last modified: 2024/12/03 16:45 by pczekalski