Connectivity Framework
2 : Connectivity Framework
maintains predictable performance . The connectivity function addresses latency and jitter in the data exchanged between endpoints , possibly in exchange for throughput .
Throughput . Throughput is the load on the network as defined by the volume of data flow per unit of time . Bandwidth is the network capacity of a connectivity technology . In some designs , a large volume of data may be exchanged in a short time on an ongoing basis among endpoints ; high throughput would be needed .
In practice , the operational settings that optimize for high throughput are not the same as those that optimize for low latency . Therefore , the connectivity function should support achieving the right balance as per the requirements of the data flow .
In industrial internet applications , particularly at the edge , low latency and jitter are generally more important to performance than throughput and bandwidth . Automation and control of real-world processes require short reaction times or tight coordination to maintain effective control . Industrial devices in the control domain do not produce large amounts of data in short periods and therefore do not require high bandwidth connectivity . Rather , the data needs to be communicated quickly and consistently ( with low latency and jitter ).
2.3.2 SCALABILITY
Physical things communicate using connectivity endpoints . Therefore , the connectivity function should support horizontal scaling , by which we mean the ability to accommodate an increasing number of connectivity endpoints , reaching Internet scale .
2.3.3 RELIABILITY
The needs of the application data , like strict order of data delivery and data loss rates , determine the required level of reliability for connectivity .
2.3.4 RESILIENCE
Because many IIoT systems will operate continually in a real-world environment , the connectivity function should be available ( in the logical view ), even when there is a temporary physical disconnection . When a broken connection is restored , data exchange should be automatically restored so that the latest updates are available to the consumers along with any relevant missed updates .
The connectivity function should support graceful failure or disconnection of endpoints , by , for example , confining the loss of data exchange only to disconnected endpoints .
2.3.5 SECURITY
Security considerations for IIoT systems are described in detail in the Industrial Internet Security Framework ( IISF ) 1 . The chapter “ Communications and Connectivity Protection ” describes the following functional building blocks : physical security of connections , communicating endpoints
1
See [ IIC-IISF2016 ] IIC : PUB : G5 : V1.0 : PB : 20170228 - 18 -