Connectivity Framework
1: Introduction
Figure 1-2: Scope of the Connectivity as a crosscutting function within the IIoT Reference Architecture. Connectivity provides the data sharing mechanisms for the higher-level functions, including“ Distributed Data Interoperability and Management”. The“ neck” of the hourglass represents the“ Internet” network layer, common across industries. This document focuses on the connectivity layers above the neck.
1.3 SUMMARY
The connectivity challenges in IIoT include meeting diverse requirements, working over many transports, and connecting a dizzying array of“ things” from small devices to huge, intelligent networks of complex subsystems. And challenges are both business and technical: we shall consider the business, function, usage and implementation viewpoints.
The connectivity reference architecture strives for broad applicability across the IIoT and the power to handle challenging, unique applications. It introduces the notions of a connectivity gateway 1 and core connectivity standards. There are two types of gateways: Core Gateways that connect core standards, and noncore gateways that connect a domain-specific connectivity technology to a core connectivity standard. Rather than building many bridges between many standards, each core connectivity standard need only connect to the other core connectivity standards through core gateways. The many domain-specific connectivity technologies need then interface to only one of the core connectivity standards. This strikes a balance between allowing any connectivity technology so requiring many complex bridges and allowing only one core standard that cannot span the IIoT.
1
Gateway is a base term defined in the Industrial Internet Vocabulary [ IIC-IIV2015 ]: a forwarding component, enabling various networks to be connected. It may be a software component.
IIC: PUB: G5: V1.0: PB: 20170228- 10-