“How 5G Revolutionizes the Industrial Internet of Things: A Glimpse into the Future” | by Aniket Fasate | Nov, 2023
Introduction To IIOT
The IIOT stands for the “Industrial Internet of Things”. I represent the use of IoT technology in industrial and manufacturing settings to improve processes, monitor equipment, and enhance overall efficiency. IIOT data can be used to improve efficiency, productivity, and safety. IIOT is different from the traditional IoT because it is focused on industrial applications. The sensors and actuators in IIOT devices and systems need to be able to operate in harsh environments and meet high reliability and security standards.
The IIOT network has three main layers.
Physical layers
The physical layers refer to the lowest layer in the communication protocols stack. Its deals with the actual physical connection and transmission of data between IoT devices or sensors. While developing the device the choice of the physical layer technology is essential, as it impacts factors like range, data rate, power consumption and overall performance. These are some examples of physical layer technologies commonly used in IoT like Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRa (for long range), and many more.
The choice of the physical layer technology for an IoT application depends on factors such as range, power consumption, data rate, cost, and the specific requirements of the application. It’s common for IoT solutions to combine multiple physical layer technologies, such as using Wi-Fi for local connectivity and cellular or satellite for remote connectivity.
Link Layer
The link layer in IoT, situated at Layer 2 of the OSI model, is crucial for local network communication among IoT devices. Various link-layer technologies, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRa, and Z-Wave, are employed based on deployment requirements. Ethernet is prevalent in wired scenarios, while Wi-Fi enables wireless communication using IEEE 802.11 protocols. Bluetooth facilitates short-range wireless connections, Zigbee is favored for low-power, short-range applications, and LoRa is designed for long-range, low-power scenarios. Z-Wave, operating in the sub-1 GHz frequency range, suits smart home applications. These technologies define how data frames are structured and transmitted, accommodating diverse IoT needs. In essence, the link layer serves as a foundational element, enabling seamless communication within local networks and contributing to the connectivity framework of the Internet of Things.
Network Layer
The network layer in IoT is responsible for managing the communication between devices and ensuring that data is efficiently and reliably transmitted across the network. Its plays a crucial role in enabling IoT devices to connect, exchange data, and form networks. The network layer encompasses various networking protocols and technologies designed to suit the specific needs and challenges of IoT applications. Here are some protocols used in IoT BLE, IPv6, MQTT, and many more.
The network layer in IoT is responsible for ensuring that data can flow seamlessly between devices, gateways, and cloud platforms. Its plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency, scalability, and security of IoT networks.
Application Layer
The application layer in IoT is the top layer of the IoT protocols stack and responsible for managing the interaction and data exchange between IoT devices and applications or services. It then defines specific functionality and capabilities of IoT applications, and it often utilizes various protocols and interfaces to enable communication and interaction. Some of the components of the application layer are Data processing and Analysis, application protocols, Device management, User Interfaces, security and Authentication, and many more.
The application layer in IoT is highly diverse, as it caters to a wide range of use cases and applications. It provides the necessary software infrastructure to harness the data generated by IoT devices, apply business logic, and deliver valuable insights and services to end-users or other applications. The specific components and functionalities within the application layer can vary greatly depending on the nature of the IoT application and its intended use.
Benefits of Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT)
The industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) offers numerous benefits for various industries by leveraging the power of connected devices and data analytics to improve operational efficiency, productivity, and decision making. Some of the benefits of IIoT include:
- Enhanced Efficiency IIOT enables real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes, leading to increased efficiency in manufacturing, supply chain management, and logistics.
- Predictive Maintenance IIoT can provide insights into the condition of machinery and equipment, allowing for predictive maintenance. This helps reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and lower maintenance costs.
- Cost Reduction By Optimizing operations, reducing energy consumptions, and minimizing waste, IIoT can help lower operational costs and increase profitability.
- Improved Quality Control Real-Time data from IIoT devices can be used to ensure consistent product quality, reducing defects and the need for rework.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making IIoT generates large amounts of data, which can be analyzed to make informed decisions about production, inventory, and resources allocation.
- Supply Chain Optimization IIoT can provide end-to-end visibility in the supply chain, allowing companies to track goods, reduce lead times, and improve inventory management.
- Remote Monitoring and Mangement IIoT enables remote monitoring and management of equipment and process, reducing the need for on-site personnel and improving safety in hazardous environments.
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact IIoT can help organizations reduce their environmental footprint by optimizing resource usage, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing waste.
- Scalability IIoT solutions can be easily scaled to accommodate changes in production volume or requirements, making them adaptable to the evolving needs of the business.
- Competitive Advantage Organizations that adopt IIoT early gain a competitive edge by improving their operations, reducing costs, and delivering better products and services to customers.
- Enhanced Worker Safety IIoT can help create safer work environments by monitoring safety conditions and alerting workers to potential hazards in real-time.
- Customization and Personalization IIoT allows for the customization of products and services based on real-time data, enabling businesses to meet the unique needs of customers.
- Regulatory Compliance IIoT can assist in meeting regulatory requirements by providing accurate data and documentation for compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Improved Customer Experience IIoT can enable businesses to provide better customer service by offering real-time visibility into product availability, order status, and delivery times.
- Innovation and New Revenue Streams IIoT can lead to the development of new products, services, and business models, creating opportunities for additional revenue and growth.
“Why 5g is called the revolution in IIoT”
5G is often seen as a promising solution for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for several reasons, although it’s important to note that it’s not the only resolution for IIoT, and other technologies like Wi-Fi, LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network), and more may also be suitable depending on specific use cases.Here are some reasons why 5G is considered a resolution for the IIoT:
- Network Slicing
5G introduces network slicing, which is the ability to create virtual networks with customized characteristics within a single physical network. This is particularly useful for IIoT because it allows different types of devices and applications to coexist on the same infrastructure while receiving the network resources and quality of service they require. For example, critical machinery monitoring can have a dedicated network slice with low latency and high reliability, while non-critical sensors can share a separate slice with lower priority.
2. Edge Computing
5G networks enable edge computing, which involves processing data closer to the source, reducing the need to send all data to a centralized cloud. This is crucial for IIoT applications that require real-time data processing and decision-making, as it minimizes latency and reduces the load on the central cloud infrastructure.
3. Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC)
5G’s mMTC capability allows it to handle a massive number of low-power, low-data-rate devices efficiently. This is ideal for IIoT applications with a large number of sensors and devices, such as smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, and supply chain management.
4. Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
While mMTC addresses low-power, low-data-rate applications, eMBB is focused on high data rates. For IIoT, eMBB can support applications like augmented reality (AR) for remote maintenance and high-definition video surveillance in industrial settings.
5. Quality of Service (QoS)
5G provides a more granular and reliable quality of service, which is crucial for maintaining consistent performance in critical IIoT applications. It can prioritize traffic based on the application’s requirements, ensuring that critical data gets through even in congested network conditions.
6. Private Networks
5G allows the creation of private, localized networks that can be tailored to the specific needs of an industrial facility. These private networks can offer enhanced security, low latency, and high reliability for IIoT applications.
7. Enhanced Security Features
5G networks are designed with security in mind, including features like device authentication, end-to-end encryption, and network segmentation. In IIoT, where data integrity and protection are paramount, these security enhancements are significant.
8. Real-time Communication
5G’s low latency and high data rates enable real-time communication between devices and systems, which is critical for applications like autonomous vehicles, remote-controlled machinery, and collaborative robots.