6 Edge protocols: The language of Edge machines

 

This chapter covers

  • Fundamentals of TCP/IP networking and the OSI model.
  • Models of network communication: message-orientated, streaming, and RESTful.
  • Industry 4.0 and the protocols in industrial and factory automation.
  • Cloud to edge communication using MQTT
  • Alternative protocols such as CoAP and AMPQ

We have talked about edge machines, hardware and the types of technologies that are used to communicate with an edge device, however, we have not explored the language used to talk to an edge computer. Edge devices speak certain languages when communicating to the cloud or other edge machines.  Think of it this way, when we make a phone call or communicate by email, we use a language, grammar, and sentence structure to have an effective conversation.  Edge computers also needs a language or protocol. This chapter will visit the important protocols that edge nodes must consider dependent on the use case.  We will talk about the ModBus and other industrial protocols used in factory automation as well as protocols like MQTT used in a variety of consumer electronic devices.

6.1 Network Layering and the Basics of the OSI Model

6.2 Diving Deep Into TCP/IP Networking

6.3 Industrial IOT Communications

6.4 The Language of Factory Machines

6.5 Message-Orientated, Stream-Orientated, and RESTful Protocols

6.6 The Most Prevalent Edge Communication Standard: MQTT

6.7 Alternative protocols: CoAP and AMPQ

6.8 Protocol Comparison

6.9 Summary