Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Architecture

DDI had the opportunity to consult for an Engineering Systems provider tasked with the creation of a Modular Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Architecture. This project demanded a meticulous approach to ensure the architecture met both current needs and future scalability. DDI's first step was to finalize a comprehensive initial cut of the IIoT and Edge module requirements. This involved detailing types of I/O such as PWM, DI/DO, and high/low current configurations. DDI also specified the critical communication links and protocols to be employed, including BLE, WiFi, Ethernet, and Cellular. Alongside this, DDI outlined strategies for error detection and handling, partitioned app functionalities, and integrated Over-The-Air (OTA) update capabilities. Security needs, physical module connections, and the interactions between the modules and the cloud were key aspects of these requirements.

Building upon this foundation, DDI analyzed the requirements to generate an architecture and detailed design that seamlessly blended functionality with connectivity. The hardware characteristics were carefully delineated to align with the project's objectives. DDI devised a robust software partitioning strategy, ensuring modular and efficient processing while maintaining clarity in app functionalities. Communication was another focus area—DDI defined detailed message content to facilitate seamless data exchange across modules. Security was a top priority, leading me to implement software-secured entities to safeguard against potential threats. Lastly, DDI fine-tuned the IoT module's functional characteristics to ensure their reliability and adherence to industry standards.