Secure Open Federation of IoT Platforms Through Interledger Technologies -- The SOFIE Approach

TL;DR

This paper introduces SOFIE, a secure, open federation framework for IoT platforms leveraging Distributed Ledger Technologies, enabling interoperability, enhanced functionality, and new business models without modifying existing systems.

Contribution

The paper presents SOFIE, a novel approach that federates IoT platforms securely using DLTs, facilitating interoperability and new functionalities without altering existing IoT infrastructure.

Findings

Successful implementation in food supply chain tracking

Effective in electricity grid balancing with EV charging

Demonstrates interoperability without platform modifications

Abstract

The lack of interoperability among IoT platforms has led to a fragmented environment, where the users and society as a whole suffer from lock-ins, lack of privacy, and reduced functionality. This paper presents SOFIE, a solution for federating the existing IoT platforms in an open and secure manner using Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs) and without requiring modifications to the IoT platforms, and describes how SOFIE is used to enable two complex real life pilots: food supply chain tracking from field to fork and electricity distribution grid balancing with guided electrical vehicle (EV) charging. SOFIE's main contribution is to provide interoperability between IoT systems while also enabling new functionality and business models.