Scaling is the greatest problem with IoT and Interoperability is the cause.
Before describing how to achieve interoperability on heterogeneous networks, lets start with defining a few requirements for what an IoT must support:
- Multicasting: Events must be sent One-to-Many in a pub/sub fashion
- Heterogeneous networks: Must support TCP/IP, Wireless, Cellular
- Content naming: Consumers must be able to access any content (Network effect)
Multicasting and Multihoming
The Z-Mesh architecture seamlessly handles the dissemination of content to a single consumer or to a group of consumers. Z-Mesh manages all the interfaces over which data are sent or received with components named Faces. Each Face can be connected to higher layer entities, such an application, a physical network interface or even a virtual link, such as a TCP/IP connection. As a result, Z-Mesh supports multicast communications out of the box.
Furthermore, Z-Mesh overcomes the well-known problems that IP architectures presents with multihoming. In fact, since Interest routing (request for data) is based on the Content Name, Z-Mesh works out of the box in heterogeneous network environments with multiple channel technologies (wireless, wired, TCP/IP, Cellular) and is capable of aggregating Interests received from different faces, so that only one Interest per content is sent over a shared communication link. Furthermore, nodes with multiple network interfaces, called Content Stores, are also capable of caching. When a Data packet is sent back to the consumer, Z-Mesh leaves a copy of the message in the Content Stores of all nodes along the reverse Interest path. Popular content is then automatically made available close to its consumers.
Heterogeneous networks
IoT encompasses a wide range of devices, from small sensors to complex industrial equipment. Supporting heterogeneous networks allows IoT systems to connect and integrate these diverse devices, ensuring seamless communication and data exchange.
IoT deployments often need to scale up or down, and adapt to changing requirements over time. Heterogeneous network support provides the flexibility to incorporate new technologies, protocols, and devices as they emerge, without having to completely overhaul the existing infrastructure.
IoT systems often need to integrate with various legacy systems, enterprise applications, and cloud platforms. Heterogeneous network support enables seamless interoperability, allowing IoT devices and systems to communicate and exchange data across different platforms and technologies.
By supporting multiple network technologies, IoT systems can leverage redundant communication paths and failover mechanisms, improving the overall reliability and resilience of the system. Heterogeneous network support allows IoT systems to select the most appropriate network technology for each use case, optimizing performance, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Content Naming
In order to achieve interoperability and scale (the Network Effect), each piece of content must have it’s own unique Content Name.
So how do we achieve interoperability?
Metcalfe’s law when applied to IoT, says, the value of an IoT network (solution) is proportional to the square of the number of addressable pieces of Content Names. That is: If all Content Names can be retrieved by any Consumer, you have maximum value.
Unique Content Names (addressing) allows Content Producers and Consumers to be properly routed and connected within the network, enabling communication and data exchange between them. Without unique Content Names (addressing), the network would not be able to effectively route and deliver Content, limiting the overall connectivity and value of the network.
As the network grows, the number of connected devices and systems increases exponentially. Robust addressing schemes (Content Naming) are necessary to accommodate this growth and ensure that the network can scale effectively, maintaining the network effect as the number of connected entities expands.
Unique Content Names (addressing) enables interoperability between different devices and systems within the network. This interoperability is crucial for realizing the full potential of the network effect, as it allows diverse entities to seamlessly communicate and collaborate.
Unique Content Names (addressing) facilitates the management and control of the network, allowing administrators to monitor, configure, and troubleshoot individual devices or systems. Effective network management is essential for maintaining the stability and reliability of the network, which is a key factor in achieving the network effect.
Conclusion: Use Z-Mesh
The Z-Mesh IoT protocol, being an Information-Centric Networking architecture, allows for interoperability and scale because it supports Globally Unique Content Names (addressing) on heterogeneous networks.