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Lecture 3: IoT Architecture and
Reference Models
Seyed-Hosein Attarzadeh-Niaki
Fundamentals of IoT 1
Introduction to IoT Architectures
• Definition: Framework defining IoT system
structure and interactions
• Purpose: ensures interoperable, scalable, and
secure system design.
• Key challenges addressed by architectures
– Heterogeneity of devices and protocols.
– Data flow management (edge to cloud).
– Interoperability and standardization.
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Key Components of IoT Architecture
• Components: Devices, gateways, networks,
cloud, applications
• Roles: Sensing, connectivity, processing,
storage, user interaction
Component Function
Devices Collect data (sensors/actuators)
Gateways Bridge devices to networks
Networks Enable data transmission
Cloud Store and analyze data
Applications Provide user interfaces
Fundamentals of IoT 3
Layered Models in IoT
• Concept: Organizes IoT into functional layers
• Benefits: Modularity, standardization, ease of
development
• Variations: Different models by standards
bodies (ITU-T, oneM2M, IoTWF)
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ITU-T Y.4000 Reference Model
• Four Layers
1. Device Layer: Sensors,
actuators, gateways.
2. Network Layer:
Connectivity and transport.
3. Service/Application
Support Layer: Data
processing, storage.
4. Application Layer: Domain-
specific apps (smart cities,
healthcare).
• Cross-Cutting Capabilities:
Security and management. ITU-T Y.4000 Reference Model
Fundamentals of IoT 5
oneM2M Functional Architecture
• Focuses on service layer
for interoperability. Application
• Three Layers: layer
– Application Layer: M2M
applications (e.g., fleet
tracking). Common
– Common Services Layer: services layer
Data management, device
management.
– Network Layer:
Connectivity technologies Network
(e.g., 5G). services layer
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IoT Functional Architecture (oneM2M)
Fundamentals of IoT 7
IoT World Forum (IoTWF)
7-Layer Model
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Simplified IoT Architecture
• Three Tiers
– Things Layer:
Sensors/actuators.
– Network Layer:
Gateways, edge/fog
nodes.
– Cloud & Apps: Analytics,
visualization.
Fundamentals of IoT 9
Core IoT Functional Stack
• Layers
1. Things: Sensors/actuators.
2. Network: Access, gateways, transport.
3. Applications: Analytics, control systems.
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Comparing IoTWF and Simplified
Models
• IoTWF: Detailed, seven layers, complex
systems
• Simplified: Three layers, easier for beginners
• Application: Depends on system scale and
requirements
Aspect IoTWF Simplified
Layers 7 3
Complexity High Low
Use Case Enterprise Basic Systems
Fundamentals of IoT 11
Edge vs. Fog vs. Cloud Computing
Layer Function Latency
Local processing, real-time
Edge Milliseconds
actions
Regional aggregation,
Fog Seconds
filtering
Cloud Batch processing, storage Minutes
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IoT Data Flow
(Information Value Loop)
Stages
Create (sensors)
Communicate
Aggregate
Analyze
Act
Fundamentals of IoT 13
Comparison of IoT Architectures
Model Layers Focus Key Strength
ITU-T Y.4000 4 Layers Global standardization Cross-layer security
oneM2M 3 Layers Service-layer interoperability RESTful APIs
IoTWF 7 Layers End-to-end data flow Industry collaboration
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IoT-A Reference Model
• IoT-A ARM
– Meta-model for
designing IoT systems.
• Key Models
– Domain
– Information
– Functionality
– Communication
• Process: Design →
Instantiate → Deploy.
Fundamentals of IoT 15
Interoperability in IoT
• Challenges • Solutions
– Protocol translation – Standardized APIs (e.g.,
– Data formats oneM2M, OCF).
– Middlewares (e.g., context
brokers)
AE: Application Entity
CSE: Common Services Entity
NSE: Network Services Entity
oneM2M functional architecture from deployment perspective
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Regional IoT Projects & Standards
• EU Projects
– IoT-A
(Architectural
Reference
Model).
– FIWARE
(open-source
middleware).
• ETSI
Standards:
SAREF
ontology,
NGSI-LD API.
Fundamentals of IoT 17
IoT Gateway Functions
Function Purpose
Protocol Translation Convert ZigBee → IP
Data Filtering/Aggregation Reduce upstream traffic
Edge Analytics Local ML/rule-based processing
Example:
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IoT Connectivity Technologies
• Categories
– Short-range
(BLE,
ZigBee).
– Long-range
(LoRa, NB-
IoT).
Fundamentals of IoT 19
5G Message Gateway Model
• Role: Protocol conversion (ZigBee/CoAP ↔ 5G).
• Use Case: Smart appliances in heterogeneous networks.
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IoT Data Flow Example (Smart City)
Stages: Sensors → Gateway → Cloud → Analytics → Dashboard.
Fundamentals of IoT 21
IoT Management Capabilities
Capability Function
Device Management Firmware updates, health monitoring
Traffic Management QoS, congestion control
Security Management Authentication, encryption
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Machine Learning in IoT Architecture
• Edge vs. Cloud ML
– Edge: Low-latency inference (e.g., camera analytics).
– Cloud: Model training, batch processing.
Fundamentals of IoT 23
IoT Security in Layered Architectures
• Device Layer: Secure
boot, hardware-based
TPM chips.
• Network Layer: TLS/DTLS
for encrypted
communication.
• Cloud Layer: Role-based
access control (RBAC) for
data privacy.
• Example: A smart grid
uses TLS to encrypt
meter data sent to the
cloud.
Security Layers: Device (authentication), Network (encryption), Cloud (access control).
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IoT Data Flow in AWS Architecture
• AWS IoT Layers
– Device Software: SDKs
for sensors.
– Control Services:
Device management,
security.
– Data Services:
Analytics, storage.
Fundamentals of IoT 25
Azure IoT Reference Architecture
• Three Workflows
– Things: Sensors/actuators.
– Insights: Hot/warm/cold path analytics.
– Actions: Control based on analytics.
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Industrial IoT Architectures
(IIRA & Purdue)
• Key Domains
– Control systems, analytics, security.
– Focus: Interoperability in industrial IoT.
Model Focus
IIRA Cross-industry interoperability
Purdue Hierarchical control systems
Industrial Internet Reference Architecture (IIRA)
Fundamentals of IoT 27
Summary of Key Architectures
Model Use Case
ITU-T Y.4000 Global standardization
IoTWF End-to-end data flow
oneM2M Service-layer interoperability
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Next Lecture
• IoT Hardware Platforms
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