Connectivity software designed for architecting IIoT systems
13 September 2017
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Real-Time Innovations (RTI) announced the first connectivity software designed to build layered-databus architectures for IIoT systems.
Typical IIoT systems require sharing data across multiple networks, from the edge to the fog to the cloud. For example, in a connected hospital, devices have to communicate within a patient or operating room, to nurses’ stations and off-site monitors, to real-time analytics applications for smart alarming and clinical decision support, and with IT health records. This is challenging for several reasons. The aggregate volume of streaming device data could easily overwhelm hospital networks. Patient data must be securely tracked, even as patients and devices move between rooms and networks. Additionally, devices and applications have to interoperate, even when developed by different manufacturers.
To help system architects address these challenges, the Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) recently released the Industrial Internet Reference Architecture (IIRA). The IIRA identifies a Layered Databus pattern as the recommended framework for developing these multi-tiered IIoT systems. RTI Connext DDS 5.3 is the first connectivity software designed to implement the layered databus pattern while also fostering interoperability and an open architecture.
Interoperable security
Built on the Object Management Group (OMG) Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, Connext DDS 5.3 introduces support for the recently finalised DDS Security standard. As a result, devices and applications developed with Connext DDS 5.3 will interoperate with those that take advantage of future Connext DDS versions. Given the long lifecycle of IIoT systems, forward interoperability is essential for products that cannot be easily upgraded once they are deployed. In addition, RTI verified Connext DDS 5.3 interoperates with other DDS Security implementations, enabling plug-and-play systems that incorporate components from multiple suppliers.
Historical data query
IIoT applications often need access to historical data to refine analytics or update dashboards. Due to the large amount of data in IIoT systems, it is rarely possible to send all data to all locations. Connext DDS 5.3 now provides the capability to request and receive historical data as efficiently as live data. Additionally, the ability to filter for specific content, such as requesting a patient’s body temperature over the last 4 hours, prevents the network bandwidth from flooding.
Seamless device mobility
In IIoT systems, it is critical that your systems maintain connectivity even as devices roam across networks, such as in autonomous cars. Because different networks assign different addresses, traditional approaches cause a loss in connectivity and data during the switchover. With Connext DDS 5.3, devices automatically and securely re-locate and re-authenticate to maintain uninterrupted connectivity when a network address changes.
RTI Connext DDS 5.3 and the layered-databus architecture have applications across industries, including healthcare, energy, aerospace and defense (A&D) and transportation.
Developers can take advantage of the Connext DDS connectivity framework, software development kits (SDKs), tools and runtime services to intelligently design, build and deploy their IIoT systems. Additional new features and benefits include:
RTI Web Integration Service: Provides an easy way to build user-facing web applications. It provides a RESTful interface to the Connext Databus based on the OMG Web-Enabled DDS specification.
RTI Gateway Toolkit: Bridges and interoperates with legacy technologies, as well as other standards-based connectivity frameworks, such as OPC-UA, and messaging protocols, such as MQTT and AMQP.
RTI Administration Console: Works with the new security capabilities to provide insight into secured data while monitoring, controlling and debugging from a centralised tool.
Packaging and availability
The Connext DDS 5.3 Product Suite is immediately available, featuring Connext DDS Professional and Connext DDS Secure. Connext DDS Professional is the full-featured connectivity software solution including run-time messaging libraries, development tools and run-time services to scale IIoT systems. Connext DDS Secure includes all of the robust features of Connext DDS Professional plus the added functional security of the RTI Security Plugins.
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