Metadata model for supporting hierarchical Edge Device arrangements in an IoT deployment

Abstract

An increasing number of "Smart Devices" are coming online every year. These Smart Devices have the ability to communicate with other Smart Devices across the web, exchange information and make intelligent decisions. Measures to combat the added load brought on by these new connections have inadvertently resulted in increased network complexity. This paper considers why understanding that complexity is necessary, especially on the server side. Existing architectures are thereafter explored to gain insight into a possible solution. A metadata-based model is then proposed that would provide a central server with an overview of the network arrangement. The novelty of this model lies in its simplicity, scalability and technology agnosticism. An implementation of this model is then tested in a mix of realworld and simulated environments and evaluated. The results obtained indicate improvements in benchmarks along with performance gains with regards to network scaling.