Fog computing reference architecture released

The OpenFog Consortium released the OpenFog Reference Architecture, which is a universal technical framework designed to enable data-intensive requirements of the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

By OpenFog Consortium February 12, 2017

The OpenFog Consortium released the OpenFog Reference Architecture, which is a universal technical framework designed to enable the data-intensive requirements of the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The reference architecture is a step forward in creating standards for interoperability and security in complex digital transactions. 

Fog computing is the system-level architecture that brings computing, storage, control, and networking functions closer to the data-producing sources along the cloud-to-thing continuum. Fog computing is applicable across industry sectors and addresses issues related to security, cognition, agility, latency, and efficiency.

The OpenFog Reference Architecture is a high-level framework that will lead to industry standards for fog computing. The OpenFog Consortium is collaborating with standards development organizations such as IEEE to generate rigorous user, functional and architectural requirements, plus detailed application program interfaces (APIs) and performance metrics to guide the implementation of interoperable designs. Fog computing works in conjunction with the cloud and across siloed operations to effectively enable end-to-end IoT, 5G and AI scenarios.

The OpenFog Reference Architecture contains a medium- to high-level view of system architectures for fog nodes (smart, connected devices) and networks, deployment and hierarchy models, and use cases. It is part of a suite of technical documents under development by the OpenFog Consortium. Future documents will provide updated requirements and lower-level details, including formal, enumerated requirements that will form the basis of quantitative testbeds, certifications and the specified interoperability of fog elements.

The OpenFog Reference Architecture is based on eight core technical principles, termed pillars, which represent the key attributes that a system needs to encompass. These pillars include security, scalability, openness, autonomy, RAS (reliability, availability, and serviceability), agility, hierarchy, and programmability.

OpenFog Consortium

www.openfogconsortium.org 

– Edited from an OpenFog Consortium press released by CFE Media. See more Control Engineering virtualization and cloud stories.