Dynamic IoT Naming Scheme for Heterogeneous Device Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Internet of Things (IoT) system's heterogeneous nature and lack of support for IP-based addressing schemes make it challenging to uniquely identify and manage IoT devices, especially due to their mobile and varied communication technologies, which prevents the direct application of conventional host-based approaches.
Innovation Solution
A naming scheme for IoT devices that is agnostic to addressing schemes, using dynamic conventions for objects, context, data, and commands, allowing for communication and access without relying on IP addresses or domain names, enabling flexible and context-based identification and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IP-based addressing scheme is used for device identification, then device identification is standardized and manageable, but it cannot be applied to IoT devices that do not support IP addressing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a naming scheme that acts as an intermediary layer between applications and IoT devices. This naming scheme uses context-based identifiers (such as location, time, object type) rather than IP addresses, allowing communication with devices regardless of their underlying addressing capability. The name resolution module serves as a mediator that translates these context-based names into device-specific identifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The naming scheme is designed to be universal across different IoT communication technologies (WiFi, ZigBee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, etc.). Instead of requiring separate addressing schemes for each technology, a single context-based naming system works across all of them, making the system multi-functional and technology-agnostic.
2Productivity
If host-based approach with IP addresses is used, then device identification is efficient in conventional IT systems, but it becomes inefficient when devices move around frequently in IoT environments
Solution Approach 1:
The naming scheme is dynamic and context-aware, adapting to the mobile nature of IoT devices. Instead of relying on static IP addresses that change when devices move, the system uses context-based identifiers (location, time, object type) that remain meaningful regardless of device movement. The name resolution module dynamically resolves these names to current device locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for device identification from static network parameters (IP addresses) to dynamic context parameters (location, time, object type). This parameter change allows the system to efficiently identify devices regardless of their network position or movement status.
3Device complexity
If a single addressing scheme is used for all communication technologies, then system simplicity is improved, but it cannot accommodate the heterogeneous nature of IoT devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification system into two independent layers: a universal context-based naming layer that provides simplicity, and a device-specific identifier layer that handles technology heterogeneity. The name resolution module bridges these layers, allowing the simple naming scheme to work with diverse devices without requiring a single complex addressing scheme.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, performed by a network device, for communication with Internet of Things (IoT) devices is provided. The method includes receiving a communication relevant to Internet of Things devices, wherein the communication is in accordance with a naming scheme that has conventions for objects, context, data and commands and is agnostic as to a plurality of addressing schemes of the Internet of Things devices. The method includes resolving names in the communication, in accordance with the naming scheme, and sending the communication or a further communication to one or more Internet of Things devices per the resolving.