image: The proposed network can be characterized as an aggregating digital twin network because the nodes are of a large volume inside the industry. Each of the nodes is near the other nodes, which can cause data redundancy. With the correct collection and transmission methods in the digital twin, this can be avoided. This results in less network congestion and less energy but increased computing performance and memory. Figure 1 shows the proposed digital twin communication model with a multi-access edge-cloud framework. The proposed IIoT communication model, consists of three layers. The first layer constitutes the physical, connectivity, or network and abstraction sublayers. Specifically, in the physical sublayer, various devices are installed. In the connectivity sublayer, the devices are connected in a way and topology so that they can produce and transfer data over time. In the abstraction sublayer, the differences between the valuable information and the total data generated, have been reduced. The second layer comprises ESs, a database, and a broker. Specifically, the valuable data produced are forwarded through the broker device to the ESs for a good real-time manipulation and management and finally stored for a specific period of time inside the local database. The third layer consists of an application, a CS, and a cloud database. Specifically, the application updates data stored in the local database in real time efficiently, and cloud services are provided for complex analytics and longterm storage. view more
Credit: Beijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.
All recent technological findings can be collectively used to strengthen the industrial Internet of things (IIoT) sector. The novel technology of multi-access edge computing or mobile edge computing (MEC) and digital twins have advanced rapidly in the industry. MEC is the middle layer between mobile devices and the cloud, and it provides scalability, reliability, security, efficient control, and storage of resources. Digital twins form a communication model that enhances the entire system by improving latency, overhead, and energy consumption. Methods The main focus in this study is the biggest challenges that researchers in the field of IIoT have to overcome to obtain a more efficient communication environment in terms of technology integration, efficient energy and data delivery, storage spaces, security, and real-time control and analysis. Thus, a distributed system is established in a local network, in which several functions operate. In addition, an MEC-based framework is proposed to reduce traffic and latency by merging the processing of data generated by IIoT devices at the edge of the network. The critical parts of the proposed IIoT system are evaluated by using emulation software. The results show that data delivery and offloading are performed more efficiently, energy consumption and processing are improved, and security, complexity, control, and reliability are enhanced. The proposed framework and application provide authentication and integrity to end users and IoT devices.
Journal
Virtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware
Article Title
Digital twins and multi-access edge computing for IIoT
Article Publication Date
21-Dec-2022