The Internet of things (IoT) has created a new world where multiple devices can connect and exchange data with other IoT devices and the system. The interoperability of IoT is essential in the digital world nowadays, as many businesses rely on different systems and applications to operate their businesses.
Interoperability ensures all components are integrated and can communicate seamlessly, consequently enhancing the system’s efficient performance and avoiding any security and data breaches.
For that, interoperability is extensively thought of while IoT troubleshooting due to the below benefits:
- System reliability: issues may arise when different devices connect to a system, and interoperability would address potential issues and fix them, enhancing system reliability and stability.
- Data integrity: An interoperated system could verify if data is being transmitted in between, then build up data accuracy.
- User experience: with a highly connected system, users, devices, and applications can connect seamlessly and efficiently; therefore, their user experience is gradually elevated, and customer satisfaction exceeds.
Interoperability challenges in IoT
IoT is a complicated concept and is being considered at a different layer approach. Within each one, there are particular challenges to ensure smooth interoperability.
- Device layer refers to the communication between devices in IoT, which is considered the lowest level. A possible challenge at this layer is the ability of one device to interact with other devices or components in the system. These could result from the chosen protocol, communication technology, system provider, software and hardware, etc. Those factors make it challenging to achieve interoperability level.
- The network layer contains hardware elements such as protocol, system and devices that work at a network layer. Operation protocol should be considered at this stage to ensure smooth interoperability with the seamless mobility of objects.
- The middleware layer contains a software layer within the communication network and application. This complexity creates a considerable challenge to ensure interoperability, due to a wide range of devices. Moreover, data stream and updates should continually be monitored to facilitate interoperability.
Best practices to achieve IoT interoperability
For each layer approach, there are different ways to achieve interoperability
- It’s essential to understand the communication model that devices employ at the device layer. 3 popular models are Device-to-device (D2D), Device-to-gateway (D2G) and Device-to-cloud (D2C).
Gateway is a crucial factor when thinking of interoperability at this stage to provide the connection between heterogeneous devices and systems. - Software-related solutions are often taken into account at a network layer. Businesses could choose Software Defined Radio (SDR), which could solve major interconnectivity problems. With SDR, all devices and components can connect wirelessly regardless of software, model and type. SDR also helps set up the infrastructure for future devices to improve, improving interoperability. Software Defined Network (SDN) could also be a helpful alternative for connecting devices via different networks regardless of locations, vendors or configurations.
- Several architectures have been designed to be used at the Middleware layer. Whether your business chooses ARM, FIWARE, OneM2M, OpenIoT, etc., the IoT system must allow devices and applications to interact seamlessly and enable interoperability for the system.
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