Open standards will drive the industrial internet

The hype and perceived opportunity around the industrial internet has caused major players across diverse industries to pay closer attention to this emerging network. However, unlike its social and business counterpart, the industrial Internet is hampered by legacy devices, proprietary communication methods and a lack of standardisation.

In the report, titled ‘Understanding the Structure of Communication: Sorting Through the Protocols Behind the Industrial Internet’, the company developed a weighted evaluation matrix to assess middleware protocols and transport protocols. Lux found that few wireless protocols are robust enough for real-time critical applications. Those that can work with little interference and maintain high security do not have the connectivity qualities needed for large-scale deployment, with a few exceptions such as Weightless, ThingPark Wireless and On-Ramp Wireless. According to the company, the suitability of both middleware and transport for the industrial internet depends upon application. Protocols such as DDS, AMQP and MQTT rise to the top, reflecting their strength in offering scalable, real-time critical solutions. Lux found that device manufacturers need to increase the trend of legacy protocols and explore alternative options. Companies such as WirelessHart, Dash7 and Weightless have strong potential in a number of building and manufacturing applications.

“The two most near-term cases for the industrial Internet relate to commercial buildings and manufacturing operations. Both sectors have well-entrenched automation, but are only beginning to capitalise on the value of connecting and networking existing infrastructure,” said Maryanna Saenko, Research Analyst, Lux, and the lead author of the company’s report.

“While open protocols will succeed, there will be no one-size-fits-all solution, and the suitability of a given protocol depends upon applications,” Saenko added.

The report is part of the Lux Research Autonomous Systems 2.0 and Efficient Building Systems Intelligence services.