Fog Computing Enabling Industrial Internet of Things: State-of-the-Art and Research Challenges

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Industrial Automation

Background:

• Industry 4.0 signifies a major transformation in manufacturing, driven by automation and data exchange.
• Exponential growth in smart devices necessitates optimized Industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT) solutions.
• Fog computing architecture is essential for meeting IIoT demands like real-time processing and low latency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of fog computing methods and techniques.
• To focus on fog infrastructure and protocols within the context of IIoT applications.
• To identify solutions for critical challenges and highlight fog computing as an enabler for IIoT.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical industrial revolutions and IIoT applications.
• Analysis of key enabling technologies for industrial transformation.
• In-depth examination of fog computing architecture, protocols, and solutions for IIoT.

Main Results:

• Fog computing architecture effectively addresses IIoT requirements for real-time processing, low latency, and high data rates.
• Optimized fog computing protocols are crucial for efficient, intelligent, and decentralized IIoT connectivity.
• The study highlights fog computing's role in ensuring reliability and green communication in industrial settings.

Conclusions:

• Fog computing is a critical enabler for Industry 4.0 and IIoT applications.
• Further research into fog computing aspects is needed for diverse fields and technologies.
• Efficient and intelligent fog solutions are key to overcoming IIoT challenges and realizing its full potential.