IoT-Bus – The Secure Communication Bus

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.

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 Structure of the System

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.

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.

• 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
  
  

• 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

As an independent research institute, Fraunhofer IIS supports the German economy in finding the best solution for their problems. The IoT-Bus supports IPv6 and UDP. In addition, the IoT-Bus can tunnel the CAN protocol and thus be used as a range extender for CAN.

The next step is to equip the IoT-Bus with IT security for applications on the Internet of things and digital production and to implement specific application protocols (OPC-UA, MQTT and CoAP). We know how to get the future IP capability, but we only guess your requirements. You now have the possibility, on from the first development phase, to design the features and functions according to your wishes and conditions. We look forward to your feedback and a sustainable cooperation with Fraunhofer IIS.