A Division of Digi International
The Internet of ANYthing
™Abstract
It is projected that by 2020 there will be 50 billion “things” connected to the Internet.
This presents both unprecedented opportunity and challenge. In the global network of “things,” new things are created every day, using many different network types, on many different operating platforms, communicating on many different types of protocols. Businesses in today’s global marketplace are readying themselves to overcome the complexities of the Internet of Things and reap the benefits of the possibilities for innovation and efficiency that accompany this phenomenon.
Device Cloud by Etherios™ provides a key solution to Internet of Things initiatives.
Device Cloud is a public cloud service designed to provide easy integration with devices and applications to facilitate real-time device network management and rapid M2M application development. This paper serves as an introduction to Device Cloud and how it is advancing the Internet of Things.
www.etherios.com/devicecloud
What Is the Internet of Things?
Network-enabled devices that include embedded communication modules or that are designed to be used with gateways or routers are flooding the market. Consumer products that are designed to be used with a web or mobile application are becoming the norm. It is estimated that over 100 billion M2M-enabled devices are being shipped globally each year. This is the “Internet of Things” and its creation is firmly underway.
In its simplest form, the Internet of Things describes how a device (a “thing”) communicates with an application over the Internet.
How Does This Work?
Taking a closer look, we see different types of devices comprising different types of networks that can communicate with a variety of applications over the Internet. These applications may have multiple interfaces. These device networks connect with the Internet and then communicate with the applications via a backhaul network. This backhaul network is the communications backbone of the Internet infrastructure. The
many types and individual components of infrastructure can create massive complexities for solution providers.
To increase the speed to market, infrastructure must be packaged into services that are easily accessible and drive economies of scale.
Internet
Device
Application
Internet
Local Area Networks
Different Types of Devices, Different Types of Networks
Applications
Device Router
Wi-Fi
ZigBee
792424
As a result, Infrastructure is typically packaged up and sold in portions, commonly referred to as:
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
• Platform as a Service (PaaS)
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
What Is Device Cloud?
Device Cloud by Etherios is driving the Internet of ANYthing™, connecting any application, anywhere to anything, anywhere.
Device Cloud is an infrastructure service designed to provide application integration with device networks. In the cloud stack it provides the services typically associated with IaaS and PaaS. Based upon an extended cloud computing model, Device Cloud solves the challenges of massive scalability and service reliability while meeting the security requirements of globally accepted standards for security and privacy. Integrating client software, web applications or mobile applications to Device Cloud is simple, using Etherios Cloud Connector and open APIs.
Network of Things Application
Interfaces
Device Router
Wi-Fi
Wireless Vehicle Area Network
Comprised of facilities, servers, storage, network routers, management software, middleware,
device interfaces, application interfaces, security systems,
network operations center, network backbone access, etc.
Infrastructure
Cable
Satellite Backhaul Networks
Cable
Cellular Cellular
Satellite
Internet
Backhaul Networks
ZigBee
792424
Network of Things Application
Interfaces Infrastructure
Cable
Satellite Backhaul Networks
Cable
Cellular Cellular
Satellite Backhaul Networks
Internet
Device Router
Wi-Fi
Wireless Vehicle ZigBee
792424
Why Use Device Cloud?
Device Cloud provides the most cost-effective way to release applications on a and manage device networks on a large-scale. As a device network grows, solution providers need to simplify the complexities of:
• Taking applications to market
• Integrating new things
• Managing infrastructure
• Managing growth
• Security requirements
Device Cloud serves the purpose of providing data services to customer applications through published
interfaces. This data comes from M2M devices that are used to connect local networks, such as ZigBee or Wi-Fi, to the cellular network. Device Cloud hides the complexity of the M2M integration. As new devices are released into the market, solution providers can take advantage of them without having to modify their application.
Device Cloud’s architecture allows the developer to remain focused on building great software, as opposed to building infrastructure, thus reducing time to market.
Device Management
Device Cloud provides all the tools needed to effectively manage the complexities of a dynamic device network and keep the network healthy and efficient through a single, secure web interface.
Device Cloud’s suite of management features include:
Centralized Control
Edit configurations, update firmware, download software and monitor the status and location of your remote assets via a web browser.
Groups Control
Group and tag devices to organize and simplify your network.
Scheduled Operations
Automate tasks, such as reboots or firmware update, to run on a one-time or recurring basis.
Alarms and Notifications
Receive immediate notification when a device enters a particular state and take corrective action.
Carrier Subscription Management
Activate or deactivate cellular lines and monitor data to ensure you never incur overage charges.
No Infrastructure Planning Required
Using the Cloud to access and control devices is the only architecturally sound way to achieve the scale that will be required as the market evolves. By separating the architecture into layers, each of which can utilize virtualization technologies to scale services, growth can be supported seamlessly without disruption. Device Cloud is designed to meet and overcome the challenges of massive scalability, service availability and security.
This takes significant investments in infrastructure, operations, facilities, technologies and personnel. Without cloud infrastructure, very few solutions would make it to market. Device Cloud greatly reduces the financial barriers to M2M deployment.
Reliability and Security
The requirements for cloud security are significant, and measured against the highest standards. In fact, many customer applications require these standards. As an example, consumer-based applications for home energy management must be compliant with the national security standard for critical infrastructure protection (CIP).
Device Cloud’s security policy is based upon a control matrix developed to support the standards set forth by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ISO/IEC 27002, North American Electric Reliability Corporation - Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC-CIP) and the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA). Device Cloud security technologies and processes prevent, detect, respond to, and audit cyber threats on a continuous basis.
Device Cloud also offers a secure VPN service for enhanced security, with the VPN device placed on the customer premises. Using cryptography and uniquely agreed upon security properties, a VPN (also referred to as a “tunnel”) is established between the networking equipment (including application servers and devices) and the Device Cloud to ensure full compliance with corporate standards and security requirements. The cost to an organization of building a dedicated private network increases exponentially as the business grows, particularly where remote and international locations are factors. With the Device Cloud VPN, a business will benefit from superior reach, quality of service and cost savings.
Scalability
Today’s device network deployments must be able to adapt and expand seamlessly to support large numbers of devices, data-points and messaging. Depending on application requirements, the throughput requirements can easily exceed the transactional levels of today’s global social network services. Device Cloud’s throughput capability sets the standard for verified scalability elasticity.
Broadcast-Grade Service Availability
Device Cloud is designed to meet or exceed service availability requirements through commercial class clustering and fail-over technologies. There are currently two device clouds, in the US and in Europe. Both are hosted in multiple commercial class SAS 70 certified facilities and on par with the service availability requirements of major media broadcast networks, Etherios Cloud Operations supports, manages and monitors the Device Cloud 24/7, 365 days per year through support. Availability of Device Cloud is accessible at status.etherios.com.
A Division of Digi International
About Etherios
Etherios, a division of Digi International, is the M2M cloud solution expert. Etherios helps organizations of all sizes achieve their business goals with capabilities encompassing advisory, salesforce.com, wireless design and M2M services. Combined with Etherios’ cloud-based products, Device Cloud by Etherios and
Easy Application Integration
Unlike the majority of cloud providers in the market, the Device Cloud boasts four Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Having multiple APIs enables a developer to create applications that are tailored to their specific market, withinan interface that is user-friendly. Etherios Cloud Connector is a family of free downloads that allows any device to integrate with Device Cloud.
Solutions for Industry
Industry applications include energy, fleet, tank, hospitality, medical, industrial equipment and consumer appliances.
Learn more at www.etherios.com/devicecloud.
