One IoT: an IoT protocol and framework for OEMs to make IoT-enabled devices forward compatible

Abstract

Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm is going to imbue and become ubiquitous in everyday living, ranging from generic household, healthcare, public utility to defence applications. The IoT as a technology realm is witnessing advancement at a lightning speed. Consequently, there is a growing number of IoT-related reference architectures, frameworks, guidelines, platforms and standards. For IoT vendors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), however, such evolving IoT landscape means bountiful amounts of both opportunities and risks. The same holds for the consumers who are going to buy such products. We present an IoT framework and protocol that is unconditionally forward compatible. Our work defines the minimal criteria for a device to qualify as an IoT-enabled device, which could be taken as reference by IoT OEMs to build their IoT devices accordingly, across varied applications and domains. Such knowledge could help them make an informed choice amongst various available target hardware. With this protocol, it is possible to generate user interface/s on the fly, as per the devices’ functionalities.