Solutions
IoT generally outlines a technological concept that has already started to transform and redefine markets and industries across the world. In the past few years, the digital environment has seen a huge influx in the attempt to interconnect systems such as machines and supporting programs (Lucero 2016). This attempt to interconnect gadgets and devices is seen as the industrial vision to provide a broader connectivity than what is currently exhibited.
Therefore, smart cities and IoT, in particular, depicts the drastic shift from narrow systems development to the broader, pervasive and global connection of systems through the physical environment. At the heart of this connection is the massive integration of information through sensors and the already existing data sources. These data sources include information systems (e.g. enterprise resource planning), organisations’ databases and the popular social media platforms.
Now, Sunshine Coast Council holds the same vision exhibited by other proponents of IoT and smart systems. The company aims to develop a Smart City initiative led by open IoT system. This objective should be met using an open IoT architecture that will integrate the companies’ resources with those of the outside world. Moreover, their initiative is being commissioned by a smart car parking system that will offer automatic services based on the users demands. Therefore, to meet Sunshine’s Smart Cities requirements, this report proposes two different IoT solutions based on the underlying infrastructure, technology solutions and data systems. Furthermore, the report provides a comprehensive comparison between the two solutions where features/attributes such as cost, security and power among many others are considered (Zanella, Bui, Castellani, Vangelista & Zorzi 2014).
The solutions
According to technological experts, two problems face Smart Cities solutions; one, most ICT solutions are custom made for specific organisations and two, the same systems are designed using multiple architectures (Boulos & Al-Shorbaji 2014). Therefore, the solutions provided in this section attempt to break these barriers.
The first solution incorporates existing technologies but with the introduction of open systems. In essence, it comprises of a Wide Area Network (as the underlying infrastructure), LoRaWAN and in-house database systems (data centres).
Infrastructure (WAN): As a network that provides connection to organisation’s multiple resources WAN offers a simple underlying infrastructure to IoT. For one, it integrates all resource irrespective of their design structure or manufacturer. However, this outcome is only facilitated if open systems are used, for instance, those proposed by SDN (Software defined networking) where OpenFlow concepts are defined (Qin, Denker, Giannelli, Bellavista & Venkatasubramanian 2014). In essence, OpenFlow concepts define open standards and protocols that will facilitate worldwide connectivity of systems, a key factor for Sunshine’s Smart Cities initiative. Moreover, the same connection (LAN) would be further facilitated by the Wireless LAN concepts used today.
According to Maan (2015), Wireless LAN is the key foundation of IoT and smart cities as it enables the free connectivity of devices and objects through wireless connections which offer the conveniences needed. Similar to the Sunshine’s parking initiative, IoT depends on sensors and actuators that coordinate communication thus requires an elaborate connection method. Furthermore, WAN offers improved security as resources are controlled by an organisation using the necessary security and privacy policies. The same outcome is achieved for intellectual property where data ownership is maintained. Finally, with WLAN and SDN the structure offers easy connection to ICT systems.
Solution 1 – WAN, LoRaWAN, Data Centres
Tech solution (LoRaWAN): SCC having laid down the foundational elements using WAN, will require a supportive technology to facilitate the communication of devices and systems. For this requirement, LoRaWAN is used, which is a low power media access protocol (MAC) for Wide area networks. LoRaWAN supports mobile systems such as those highlighted above where sensors and actuators are used to provide mobile communication. Furthermore, LoRaWAN provides secure and bi-directional communication of devices through smart system technologies of M2M communication (Machine to Machine) (Adelantado, Vilajosana, Tuset-Peiro, Martinez, Melià-Seguí, & Watteyne 2017). Moreover, this protocol provides a low-cost technology for integrating IoT systems. Finally, as the initial statement suggests, it’s designed to optimise power consumption which is another added advantage to be considered by SCC in its current and future Smart Cities initiatives.
Data storage (data centres): Access to information is the root cause of technological advancement as people are continuously trying to improve the outcomes of information accessibility. IoT generally aims to increase the accessibility of information through all the devices used by man. Now, SCC must consider a data source that will be integrated with the infrastructure and technology identified above. Yes, the parking system will be automated but it will also require a data source to store clientele information. Moreover, the same data source will be used for future smart system initiatives. Now, in-house data systems led by data centres provide the necessary data storage resources which are not only easily accessible (openness) but are also secure as the organisation dictates the security protocols used. Furthermore, these resources are based within the confines of the organisation which adds to the security, privacy and ownership of the information stored (Amazon news 2017).
In contrast to the first solution, the second method proposed incorporates revolutionary ideas in the form of the Internet as the underlying infrastructure, OpenIoT as the supporting technology and cloud-based solutions for storing information.
Infrastructure (the Internet): IoT is seen as the next evolution of the internet, in fact, according to F. Mattern and C Floerkemeier (2010), information technology will transform from the internet of computers (what is predominantly seen today) to IoT. In the new structure, all components, devices and objects will use internet technologies i.e. Internet Protocols (IP) to connect with one another. The internet presents considerable advantages as an infrastructure solution for smart cities and IoT in general. For one, it’s open to anybody so long as they have the necessary connection parameters which in essence increases the accessibility. Moreover, the infrastructure is already in place and little extra resources are considered where only the actuators and sensors need to be incorporated. Therefore, SCC can lower its overall cost more so, through the minimal expenditures spent on hardware and other ongoing resource requirements.
In addition to this, consider the advances in internet technology where security protocols such as IPsec have been introduced. IPsec in particular houses a multitude of encryption, authentication and authorization techniques that can be chosen by the users based on their requirements. Therefore, for the simple parking system, data obtained can be encrypted and transmitted over a secure channel which facilitates better security. Moreover, the same infrastructure (internet) lays the foundation for future ventures when the company (SCC) decides to fully integrate the Smart cities based on the open IoT initiative.
Solution 2 – Internet, OpenIoT, Cloud-Based Solution
Supportive technology (OpenIoT): OpenIoT defines an adaptive architecture that outlines IoT resources in three major categories i.e. application, virtualization and physical. Therefore, unlike LoRaWAN that holistically integrates WAN resources, OpenIoT virtualizes network connections similar to the functionalities achieved by SDN (Soldatos, Kefalakis, Hauswirth & Herzog 2015). Moreover, OpenIoT is seen as an adaptive technology that was developed to cope with the needs of cloud-based solutions. Remember that till now there still are no efficient ways methods of integrating heterogeneous resources with cloud resources. This outcome is also facilitated by the geographical disbursement of sensors and any other IoT components.
Now, with OpenIoT, the W3C semantic sensor networks (SSN) are used where a common standard is provided to represent all the resources of IoT i.e. both physical and virtual resources. Therefore, through it, accessibility is increased which facilitates better communication. Moreover, the middleware introduced in the sensors simplifies data collection across all the sensory devices based on the established semantic structure. Furthermore, OpenIoT lowers the cost of establishing and maintaining IoT systems as resources from different vendors can be used (Soldatos, Kefalakis, Hauswirth & Herzog 2015).
Data storage (cloud computing): cloud computing provides a wide range of resources online, where based on a ‘pay per use’ model subscribers (users) are able to lease resources from service providers. On a general perspective, this outcome lowers the expenditure costs of setting up IoT resources as the storage requirements are easily met through the subscription given by the service providers. Therefore, SCC can lease the storage requirement from a service provider which can then be accessed using the internet having integrated it with the OpenIoT system across all the locations highlighted to have the newly implemented smart parking system. Furthermore, cloud computing as stated above can be accessed from any location which on top of lowering the overall expenditures can increase the access to information (Botta, Donato, Persico & Pescape 2014).
In addition to this, cloud computing would enable the CloudIoT structure or paradigm which readily adapts to the needs of the consumers. Consider the concepts and applications outlined for IoT where an array of resources are connected to one another and have different functionalities. These resources at a point in time will require adjustments such as those brought on by technological changes. Cloud computing can meet this demands since its a virtual technology that can easily adapt to the changes thus lowering the maintenance cost. Finally, cloud computing also lowers other subsequent resource requirements such as power, system storage and maintenance as these components are met by the service provider (Botta, Donato, Persico & Pescape 2014).
Comparison and contrast of the solutions
Two broad solutions having different subsections have been highlighted above and from a general perspective, several differences can be highlighted. For one, the first solution applies physical components from, WAN equipment to in-house storage resources that are owned by the organisation itself. This solution has its own advantages, such as easy accessibility where resources are easily located. Moreover, the same premise facilitates better security as SCC and can closely monitor its parking system and the data generated by the IoT systems in the current mode as well as in the future smart cities. However, the same solution requires a lot of resources to establish and maintain. Furthermore, power utilisation will be through the roof as all resources will be internally owned. However, SCC can choose to outsource some of these requirements thus lower its overall resource expenditures (Mattern & Floerkemeier 2010).
Comparison
On the other hand, the second solution seems to incorporate virtual systems such as the internet, OpenIoT and cloud computing. This solution too has its own advantages and at the helm of these benefits is cost reduction as the resources used for the smart cities and IoT can be leased from service providers. Moreover, other resources are already in existence such as the internet and will only require the simple access resources coupled with the necessary security measures. However, the same solution faces issues with security, privacy and data ownership more so, because of the pervasive nature of the technologies used. Therefore, although the solution enhances technological advancements it also raises some serious security concerns (Botta, Donato, Persico & Pescape 2014).
Now, below is a simple table comparing the two solutions based on their structures, design and architectures.
|
Solution 1 |
Solution 2 |
|
Infrastructure |
|
|
Centralised connections composed of different LANs including wireless connections (WLAN). |
Decentralised connection facilitated by internet technologies. |
|
Supporting technologies |
|
|
An access protocol designed for M2M communication. However, is limited to devices within the selected WAN. |
An open system facilitated by virtualised connection protocols. It too does integrate devices to promote M2M communication. |
|
Data storage |
|
|
In-house facilities are used which is expensive however they have the added advantage of control, accessibility and security. |
Virtual storage is used which minimises the overall expenditures but at the price of control, security/privacy and data ownership. |
Conclusion
IoT when fully integrated into the society will usher in a new technological world where information accessibility and availability will be increased. SCC as a company holds the same objective through its Smart Cities initiative that will use IoT to advance the applications of the internet, networking and telecommunication infrastructures. Furthermore, as proof of their commitment, they are set to develop the smart parking system highlighted in this report. Now, based on these requirements, two solutions has been suggested, each having their own merits and demerits. Furthermore, both solutions apply technological concepts that are relevant today and in the future. However, the second solution fully integrates virtualization into its architecture which can outline it as the solution for the future. SCC should develop a hybrid solution where all avenues of the IoT initiative can consider a combination of the two solutions.
For instance, the infrastructure can be based on WAN but with the necessary protocols to support internet connection but, with the necessary authorization from the company. Moreover, the supporting infrastructure can incorporate the concepts of SDN and SSN to advance the applications of both OpenIoT as well as LoRaWAN. Finally, a hybrid storage system can be used where both in-house data centres and cloud solutions can be used to supplement each other based on the company’s needs. In all, the solution chosen should consider both the immediate needs and those of the future. There is no need to have a fully virtualised solution at the expense of the security of the users. However, at the same time, the organisation should not have to develop a new solution in the future as a result of the conventional system implemented.
References
Adelantado. F, Vilajosana. X, Tuset-Peiro. P, Martinez. B, Melià-Seguí. J, & Watteyne. T, 2017, Understanding the Limits of LoRaWAN. IEEE Communications Magazine. Available at: https://arxiv.org/pdf/1607.08011.pdf [Accessed 14 June 2017]
Amazon news, 2017, The Internet of Things-Enabled Smart City Framework, or IES-City Framework (pronounced “YES -City”). Online. Available at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/nist-sgcps/smartcityframework/files/IoT-EnabledSmartCityFrameworkWP.pdf [Accessed 14 June 2017]
Botta. A, Donato. W, Persico. V & Pescape. A, 2014, Integration of Cloud Computing
and Internet of Things: a Survey. Online. Available at: https://wpage.unina.it/walter.dedonato/pubs/iot_ficloud14.pdf [Accessed 14 June 2017]
Boulos. M & Al-Shorbaji. N, 2014. On the Internet of Things, smart cities and the WHO Healthy Cities. International Journal of Health Geographic. Available at: https://ij-healthgeographics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1476-072X-13-10 [Accessed 14 June 2017]
Lucero. S, 2016, IoT platforms: enabling the Internet of Things. IHS White paper. Available at: https://cdn.ihs.com/www/pdf/enabling-IOT.pdf [Accessed 14 June 2017]
Maan. T, 2015, Wireless LAN is the Foundation of IOT. IT Professional Wi-Fi Trek 2015. Online. Available at: https://www.cwnp.com/uploads/tj-maan_wireless-lan-is-the-foundation-of-iot.pdf [Accessed 14 June 2017]
Mattern. F & Floerkemeier. C, 2010, From the Internet of Computers to the Internet of Things. Distributed Systems Group. Available at: https://www.vs.inf.ethz.ch/publ/papers/Internet-of-things.pdf [Accessed 14 June 2017]
Pasquier. S, 2015, What is the difference between a wide area network and the Internet? Quora. Online. Available at: https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-a-wide-area-network-and-the-Internet [Accessed 14 June 2017]
Qin. Z, Denker. G, Giannelli. C, Bellavista. P & Venkatasubramanian. N, 2014, A Software Defined Networking Architecture for the Internet-of-Things. Semantic scholar. Available at: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/6da3/a9881b6d2b752be35a1c08ebf42414b64dbb.pdf [Accessed 14 June 2017]
Soldatos. J, Kefalakis. N, Hauswirth. M & Herzog. R, 2015, OpenIoT: Open Source Internet-of-Things in the Cloud. Research gate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273447891_OpenIoT_Open_Source_Internet-of-Things_in_the_Cloud [Accessed 14 June 2017]
Zanella A, Bui. N, Castellani. A, Vangelista. L & Zorzi. M, 2014, Internet of Things for Smart Cities. IEEE Internet of Things Journal, 1(1). Online. Available at: https://www.dei.unipd.it/~zanella/PAPER/CR_2014/IoTSmartCity2014_CR.pdf [Accessed 14 June 2017]
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