Internet of Things World Forum (IoTWF) standardized framework. In 2014, under the leadership of the IoTWF Architecture Committee, a 7-layer architecture model for the Internet of Things was released. Although there are already many models of the Internet of Things, this framework model provides a clearer and more concise perspective, including edge computing, data storage and access, collaboration and processes. It analyzes the organizational structure of the Internet of Things from a technical perspective, and provides a concise architectural method that makes technology easier to understand and implement. Each of these 7 layers is divided into many functions, and the security settings run through each layer.
As defined in the figure above, data is passed from bottom to top, thus running through the entire layers. With this reference model, we can:
Divide the problems faced by the Internet of Things into multiple parts;
Determine the technologies required at each level, so as to divide the boundaries and relationships;
Define a system that allows different vendors to provide different components in the IoT system;
Define the process of the interface to realize the communication of the alienated network structure;
Define a layered security model to enable secure connectivity between layers.
Next, we briefly introduce these seven model layers.
The first layer is the IoT device and controller layer. This layer is the layer where the "things" in the Internet of Things are located, including sensors, model transmitters, data collection terminals, etc. Their main job is to send and receive data, and query/receive/control through the network.
The second layer, the connection layer. This layer is to strengthen data for reliable transmission and real-time transmission. To be more specific, the transmission channel between the first layer and the third layer is shown in the figure below.
The third layer is the edge computing layer. This layer emphasizes reducing the amount of data as shown in the figure below, and converting the data into data that is convenient for storage and utilization. Make the data accurate, reliable and analyzable.
The upper floor, the fourth to seventh floors. The following figure is responsible for processing the data generated by the bottom layer.
Other IoT reference models. In addition to the models introduced above, there are other reference models. These models are proposed by different organizations, and they are often tailor-made models for different standards proposed by different industries.