Fog Computing in the Industrial Internet of Things: Challenges, Trends, and Strategies

Abstract

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has ushered in a new era of connectivity and intelligence in industrial settings. At the heart of this transformative landscape lies Fog Computing, a distributed computing paradigm that brings processing power and intelligence closer to the edge of industrial networks. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of Fog Computing's pivotal role in IIoT, elucidating its significance, challenges, emerging trends, and strategies for successful implementation. We delve into the challenges that industrial environments present for Fog Computing, encompassing issues such as scalability, cybersecurity, data management, and interoperability. Strategies for mitigating these challenges are explored, ranging from efficient resource management to robust cybersecurity measures. Furthermore, we investigate recent developments and innovations in Fog Computing, including the integration of Edge AI, 5G networks, and hybrid cloud-fog architectures, shaping the landscape of IIoT. Promising research areas and opportunities are identified, with a focus on optimizing edge AI, secure data sharing, and sustainable Fog Computing practices.