Fraunhofer IIS IoT-Bus: The Secure Communication Bus - Not Just for Lighting
The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS is developing the IoT-Bus with IPv6 support and integrated security concept. It is a communication bus based on EIA/RS-485 and the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, which enables a secure and reliable data transmission of measured values and control commands and connectivity to the Internet of Things. The IoT-Bus forms a cross-media communication protocol and unites the two worlds of WPAN and fieldbuses without complex protocol conversion. The novel technology IoT-Bus is developed as part of the SEEDs project.
IP Communication on the Internet of Things
In the context of the increasing cross-linking and digitization in the fields of Industry 4.0, energy management and facility management, IP capability within the terminal node is becoming more and more important. The Internet of Things (IoT) has specific requirements on data rate, range, reliability, cost, flexibility, interoperability and in certain cases also data security. Consistency of the protocols and seamless data-flow across different domains is essential to enable the IoT. Internet connectivity holds security risks in manners of data manipulation and cyber-attacks.
Data Manipulation Secure Communication on the Internet of Energy
In the area of energy management a simple, but secure and reliable interconnection of local resources, producers and consumers through the decentralization of power generation is becoming increasingly necessary. Especially in cloud-based applications, secure IP-based communication is required. It allows access via IP-capable control devices such as smartphones, tablets or PCs for visualization or control purposes. Fraunhofer IIS is developing a communication bus that allows a direct connection of system components on the Internet besides the local communication. The IoT-Bus reliable transmission at higher data rates and longer distances is possible, as this offer conventional fieldbuses and wireless solutions. Through automatic address assignment and allocation of the installation process is facilitated. If a confidential or manipulation seure data connection is necessary, the IoT-Bus provides standardized cryptological procedures for authentication and encryption.
Functionality
The IoT-Bus is a fieldbus with IPv6 support and an integrated security concept. It combines the advantages of native internet protocol support with the advantages of a fieldbus in terms of range, reliability, robustness and low latency.
This technology is based on an adaptation of the communication standard IEEE 802.15.4, which is the de facto standard for Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN) and sensor networks, thus allowing the use of these wireline logs. The concept envisages a communication on 2- or 4-wire lines. The 4-wire solution also enables the power supply for communication of the communication nodes via the bus.
The use and adaptation of IEEE Std. 802.15.4 the IoT-Bus allows a medium-border communication channel. For 802.15.4 nodes are realized without breaking protocol a comprehensive communication network with both wired IoT-Bus and wireless IEEE Std. Using a special access method allows the IoT-Bus a real-time communication. The serial interface uses the standard EIA-485 (RS-485), but can also be adapted to other interfaces.
The system consists of up to three different physical communication paths, the actual IoT-Bus (1) based on the IEEE Std 802.15.4 with customized bus access method defined by IEEE 802.15.4 radio nodes (2) can be extended and a connection of the internet (3) on the IoT-Bus router.
Easy and Flexible Integration of Standard Protocols
The IoT-Bus uses 6LoWPAN and thus realizes the IPv6 capability of the terminal nodes. This allows that all protocols which are based on TCP/IP can be used conceptually. The end nodes can be, among other things, sensors, actuators or generally »things« in the context »Internet of Things«. They can simply communicate with the internet or be connected to the cloud.
Additionally the IoT-Bus offers by its data container concept, the possibility of a so-called »tunneling« of messages and protocols, such as CAN message. This functionality can be used for range extension of limited itself fieldbuses. The tunneling of CAN messages is currently takeing place in the SEEDs project.
Contrary to wireless sensor networks and WPAN solutions, the IoT-Bus scores with higher reliability, robustness and greater range for point-to-point connections. Compared to common building automation communication technologies, it also offers real-time communication and additionally IP capability and IT security for the IoT-Bus.
Unique Characteristics of the Communication Bus:
• Connection with the wired and wireless world
IPv6-based fieldbus with cross-media communication
• Ideal combination of data rate and range for IoT applications
Data rate up to 1 Mbit / s with a range of up to 500 meters
• Real-time capability
By deterministic bus access method
• IPv6 capability of the end nodes
IoT capability by supporting Internet standards (6LoWPAN, UDP, IPv6, etc.)
• Consistency of the protocols
Direct compatibility with IEEE 802.15.4 based radio
• Enables the transmission of standardized application protocols
MQTT, MQTT-S, OPC-UA, CoAP
• Integrated Security concept
Use of standardized encryption methods (TLS, D-TLS)
• No additional gateway required
Fast packet routing without protocol conversion
Applications:
• Communication between local resources, producers, consumers, even over long distances
• Optimization of energy flow and energy management
• Smart Building Automation
• Communication for inhouse Grid Control (DC and AC)
• Direct connection of system components to the Internet of Energy
• Integration of smart meters (for local communication)
• Connection of system components at the Internet of Things
Possible Fields of Application
With its IP capability and real-time capability, the IoT-Bus is suitable for a wide range of applications within Industry 4.0, building automation and energy management.
• CAN Range Extender
With its data container concept it is possible to transfer various protocols. This allows the IoT-Bus to be used as a range extender. This function is already available for the CAN protocol. A packet filter can be used to select which messages are to be transferred from one CAN domain to another
• IoT-Bus for Industry 4.0
The IoT-Bus allows interdependent production facilities to exchange information. Existing systems can be retrofitted to IP-capable to be used for industrial applications
• Building Automation
Devices in the building automation system, such as blinds, radiators, air-conditioning and lighting can be easily connected with the IoT-Bus in larger complexes over long distances. The communication for automated and manual control is thus made possible
• Secure Lighting Control
The IoT-Bus is suitable for individual lighting control in modern buildings – e.g. "Light As A Service" and "Human Cenctric Lighting"
Additional Information on Projects:
• IoT-Bus for Industry 4.0 [PDF 1.22 MB]
• The Project SEEDs
• Flyer IoT-Bus for Automation [PDF 0.48 MB]
About Fraunhofer:
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is the leading organization for applied research in Europe. Its research activities are conducted by 69 institutes and research units at locations throughout Germany. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft employs a staff of 24,500, who work with an annual research budget totaling more than 2.1 billion euros.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS is one of the world’s leading application-oriented research institutions for microelectronic and IT system solutions and services. It is the largest of all Fraunhofer Institutes.
