Nested Edge Containers for OT Data Analysis With Lower Bandwidth
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face limitations in control operations and bandwidth usage within operational technology (OT) networks, particularly when communicating with information technology (IT) networks, leading to inefficient data transfer and analysis.
Innovation Solution
Implementing software containers in industrial automation systems to replace existing components, enhance functionality, and improve communication by allowing data analysis and control operations to be performed locally within the OT environment, reducing the need for extensive data transfer to IT networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If data is transferred from OT network to IT network for analysis, then data analysis capability is improved, but bandwidth usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
An edge computing device is introduced as an intermediary between OT and IT networks. This edge device performs data preprocessing, filtering, and analysis locally, sending only essential processed data to the IT network. This mediator approach maintains data analysis capability while significantly reducing bandwidth consumption by eliminating unnecessary data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The data processing function is segmented into multiple levels: edge computing devices handle local preprocessing and filtering, while centralized IT systems perform high-level analysis. This segmentation allows critical data analysis to occur locally without transmitting all raw data, thus reducing bandwidth usage while preserving analytical capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control operations are performed remotely via IT network, then system functionality is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
Control operations are segmented into two categories: time-critical operations executed locally at the edge device, and non-time-critical operations handled remotely via IT network. This segmentation enables real-time control responses for critical functions while maintaining enhanced system functionality through remote capabilities for non-urgent operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge computing device serves as a mediator that executes control operations locally when time sensitivity requires immediate response, while still allowing remote IT systems to perform higher-level control functions. This intermediary approach reduces latency for critical operations while preserving overall system functionality.
3Productivity
If software containers are deployed at edge devices, then local processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized software containers are deployed on edge devices, providing universal multi-functional processing capabilities. These containers can be configured to perform various tasks (data filtering, preprocessing, local control) without requiring custom hardware or complex device-specific software development, thus improving local processing while managing complexity through standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial automation device includes processing circuitry and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to execute a software container and receive, at the software container, a first set of data having raw data from one or more industrial automation devices communicatively coupled to the industrial automation device. When executed, the instructions also cause the processing circuitry to pre-process the first set of data using the software container to generate a second set of data and send the second set of data to a second industrial automation device communicatively coupled to the first industrial automation device.