IoT Aware Network

What Is IoT Aware Network?

The IoT Aware Network links diverse IoT devices with varying functions and structures to an edge computing (EC-IoT) gateway. This gateway collaborates with the cloud platform through a backhaul network to sense, transmit, and process real-world information, enabling coordinated control over devices and sensors. This approach aligns with the digital transformation needs of different industries, ushering in more intelligent, refined, and network-centric production, lifestyle, and social management paradigms.

Architecture of IoT Aware Network

The architecture of IoT Aware Network moves away from traditional siloed designs and prevents redundant network construction by employing a unified top-level design and network planning approach. It comprises four layers: cloud, network, edge, and terminal, enabling hierarchical decoupling of applications, networks, and IoT terminals. Each layer features standard interfaces and supports independent scaling for elastic capacity expansion.

• Cloud. The connection enablement platform serves as the central hub of the IoT Aware Network, offering three core functions: network management, security management, and IoT management. It oversees, controls, and analyzes the entire network, providing APIs and standard data for applications in higher layers.

• Network. Serving as a data transmission conduit, the backhaul network layer connects the local aware access network to the cloud platform. This layer typically carries multiple services to enhance the cost-effectiveness of network construction. IPv6-related technologies are employed to ensure efficient, reliable, and secure transmission of each service. For instance, network slicing is utilized to achieve ultra-low data transmission latency and low network jitter. SRv6 is employed to isolate network services and enable one-hop cloud access for traffic. In-situ Flow Information Telemetry (IFIT) is employed to swiftly detect link and node faults on the network, and the network status is visualized, ensuring uninterrupted service availability around the clock.

• Edge. The edge computing (EC-IoT) gateway boasts enhanced network, computing, security, and awareness capabilities. It can manage terminal access and support the network access of both existing terminals and intelligent terminals. Upon terminal network access, the EC-IoT gateway converts various IoT proprietary protocols into IP-based protocols and standardizes terminal data into standard messages. This conversion facilitates interconnection between terminals, between terminals and the gateway, and between the aware access network and the cloud platform.

• Terminal. In intricate settings, numerous IoT terminals of diverse types must connect to networks via buses. This setup entails complex deployment and commissioning, poses high security risks, and exhibits limited scalability. The operating system's integrated IP SDK streamlines the terminal networking procedure and enables secure network access, marking a new trend in the intelligent overhaul of IoT terminals.

Why do we need IoT Aware Network?

IoT drives the sustainable development of the digital economy

Human society is moving towards a new era of the "digital economy," represented by technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data. As an essential component of the next-generation information infrastructure, the Internet of Things (IoT) has become key to the transformation of the digital economy. With a focus on digitalization and intelligence, the IoT aims to break down information silos and eliminate data fragmentation. It seeks to establish ubiquitous connectivity and efficient communication of digital information, thereby fostering the sustainable development of the digital economy.

IoT Aware Networks are becoming a focal point for IoT implementation in various industries

In recent years, IoT Aware Networks, deployed in scenarios such as smart cities, transportation, healthcare, water management, and energy, have gained significant attention. These networks, established in the form of field, station, and regional networks, leverage awareness and communication technologies. They consist of a variety of terminals and edge IoT gateways within specific industry scenarios, working together to sense, transmit, and process information in the physical world.

IoT Aware Networks are capable of monitoring terminal access, network status, and security, ensuring secure, reliable, and low-latency communication. Additionally, they integrate IoT and cloud platforms to facilitate the digital transformation of services.

Applications of IoT Aware Network

IoT-aware networks are commonly applied in fields such as smart cities, smart water management and smart healthcare. The following will provide a detailed introduction.

1. Smart city

The industrial-grade aware ring network with 2+N integrated network and computing comprises two industrial IoT gateways with EC-IoT capabilities and N industrial IoT switches. This configuration represents a standard networking mode for the IoT aware access network at the edge layer of the overall structure.

In the context of smart pole sites in a smart city, an intelligent IP ring network protection technology, an EC-IoT gateway cluster, and distributed data bus technology are employed to establish the industrial-grade aware ring network with 2+N integrated network and computing. Each pole site is equipped with an industrial switch to provide a highly reliable redundant communication network. Additionally, one or two EC-IoT gateways are deployed on each ring, forming a ring network that includes multiple industrial switches and aggregation switches. This setup prevents function failures caused by single points of failure (SPOFs) and reduces the high costs associated with deploying smart gateways on each pole in a star network. This approach achieves cost-effective, high-reliability, and flexible networking, meeting the various SLA requirements of different types of pole-mounted terminals in cities.

2. Smart water conservancy

The low-power-consumption dual-wireless ad hoc network comprises low-power-consumption, low-rate SubG channels, and high-performance, large-bandwidth Wi-Fi 6 channels. It is primarily used for IoT Aware Network access, backhaul, and edge control in field scenarios or other locations where mains power or public network communication lines are unavailable.

In video security applications for smart water conservancy and reservoirs, many sites lack power and network access. The unlicensed spectrum is utilized for low-power-consumption dual-wireless ad hoc networks, employing high- and low-speed channels for coordinated transmission. This rapidly meets the requirements for automated data, image, and video collection in all regions, at all times, and in all weather conditions, eliminating the need for manual onsite data collection and recording. In reservoirs and dams without mains power but with available networks, these networks can be used for network access and aggregation, reducing leased link numbers and traffic costs. They also provide multi-path backhaul capabilities and enhance emergency communication capabilities.

3. Smart healthcare

The WLAN multi-frequency wireless IoT converged access network combines indoor short-distance wireless communication technologies.

In a smart hospital setting, a unified wireless access network is planned using Wi-Fi 6 wireless convergence access technology. This network is built on the convergence of Wi-Fi 6 APs and IoT multi-protocol radios, creating all-in-one wireless sites. These sites enable wireless access for medical terminals in all IoT scenarios within the hospital, addressing challenges such as diverse communication modes of medical devices and complex hospital networks. Additionally, it supports rapid and seamless network access for new devices.