Accurate reliability modeling for ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) and hyper-reliable low latency communication (HRLLC) networks is challenging due to the complex interactions between network layers required to meet stringent requirements. In this paper, we propose such a model. We consider the acknowledged mode of the radio link control (RLC) layer, utilizing separate buffers for transmissions and retransmissions, along with the behavior of physical channels. Our approach leverages the effective capacity (EC) framework, which quantifies the maximum constant arrival rate a time-varying wireless channel can support while meeting statistical quality of service (QoS) constraints. We derive a reliability model that incorporates delay violations, various latency components, and multiple transmission attempts. Our method identifies optimal operating conditions that satisfy URLLCIHRLLC constraints while maintaining near-optimal EC, ensuring the system can handle peak traffic with a guaranteed QoS. Our model reveals critical trade-offs between EC and reliability across various use cases, providing guidance for URLLCIHRLLC network design for service providers and system designers.

We are investigating the characteristics of wireless channels in a factory floor environment through simulation and experimentation. We simulate the communication coverage of 5G indoor factory (InF) networks using both, ray tracing and statistical channel models. A ray tracing model requires detailed models of the environment, including their properties and locations, whereas an empirical statistical model does not need such details. Through simulation, we compare the InF wireless channel characteristics obtained from ray tracing and statistical models. Different channel characterization metrics are considered in the comparison, including Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), channel gain, and SNR. For the purpose of validating the simulation results, we have conducted experiments with a private 5G test-bed on a real-world factory floor. For our use case, we used a factory hall with two 5G radio heads in different positions. Our study demonstrates the viability of the 3GPP InF model, providing more accurate predictions than ray tracing while using less data and significantly quicker simulation run times.

Abstract The increasing complexity delivered by the heterogeneity of the cyber-physical systems is being addressed and decoded by edge technologies, IoT development, robotics, digital twin engineering, and AI. Nevertheless, tackling the orchestration of these complex ecosystems has become a challenging problem. Specially the inherent entanglement of the different emerging technologies makes it hard to maintain and scale such ecosystems. In this context, the usage of model-driven engineering as a more abstract form of glue-code, replacing the boilerplate fashion, has improved the software development lifecycle, democratising the access to and use of the aforementioned technologies. In this paper, we present a practical use case in the context of Smart Manufacturing, where we use several platforms as providers of a high-level abstraction layer, as well as security measures, allowing a more efficient system construction and interoperability.

Automation systems involve a range of cyber-physical system components such as sensors, actuators, control equipment, machines, robots, AGVs, etc. Seamless interoperability among these entities is a significant challenge. A well-designed Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platform at the network edge can offer several services by acting as a transformation engine between these field devices and various enterprise applications. We consider the EdgeX Foundry platform as such an IIoT middleware, discuss how EdgeX can provide ready-to-use integration of IoT devices, and show how we connect it with a low-code XMDD coordination layer that interfaces with EdgeX microservices through a Native DSL mechanism. We consider this technology landscape from the point of view of a building automation system example that supports high reconfigurability and security. We show how to produce all the essential elements of a complex Web based application to control the considered building systems. We demonstrate various features of the application's data and process models, how DSLs play a role at various levels, and how to add security capabilities that go beyond the cross-layer concerns and mechanisms offered by EdgeX. To this end, we introduce a declarative policy layer to be implemented using the open source ADD-Lib in form of an additional DSL for Attribute Based Encryption, with the aim of further enriching the capabilities around the EdgeX platform.

Abstract In many industries, traditional automation systems (operating technology) such as PLCs are being replaced with modern, networked ICT-based systems as part of a drive towards the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The intention behind this is to use more cost-effective, open platforms that also integrate better with an organisation’s information technology (IT) systems. In order to deal with heterogeneity in these systems, middleware platforms such as EdgeX Foundry, IoTivity, FI-WARE for Internet of Things (IoT) systems are under development that provide integration and try to overcome interoperability issues between devices of different standards. In this paper, we consider the EdgeX Foundry IIoT middleware platform as a transformation engine between field devices and enterprise applications. We also consider security as a critical element in this and discuss how to prevent or mitigate the possibility of several security risks. Here we address secure data access control by introducing a declarative policy layer implementable using Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption (CP-ABE). Finally, we tackle the interoperability challenge at the application layer by connecting EdgeX with DIME, a model-driven/low-code application development platform that provides methods and techniques for systematic integration based on layered Domain-Specific Languages (DSL). Here, EdgeX services are accessed through a Native DSL, and the application logic is designed in the DIME Language DSL, lifting middleware development/configuration to a DSL abstraction level. Through the use of DSLs, this approach covers the integration space domain by domain, technology by technology, and is thus highly generalizable and reusable. We validate our approach with an example IIoT use case in smart manufacturing.