Many people ask, what are the typical components of a UNS architecture?

Although the UNS may comprise various parts, it primarily consists of three key components that form its core.

• IIoT Platform
• MQTT broker
• Data Persistence

Let’s break these down:

𝐈𝐈𝐨𝐓 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦:

An IIoT platform is essential for integrating diverse industrial technologies into the UNS.

It connects older systems to the MQTT network, organizes, and refines data, enhancing its usability across different domains.

The IIoT platform also supports direct data access for specific needs, although this bypasses the broader UNS.

Additionally, the IIoT platform allows for integration of various solutions, especially when built as a composable architecture. This approach, underpinned by DevOps best practices, helps avoid vendor lock-in, offering more flexibility and control.

𝐌𝐐𝐓𝐓 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐫:

At the heart of the Unified Namespace (UNS) architecture is the MQTT broker, a pivotal piece that acts as the central hub for data communication.

When planning your UNS, your setup will likely involve multiple MQTT brokers tailored to specific needs within your architecture.

What’s more is that MQTT broker platforms are increasingly incorporating IIoT platform capabilities, a convergence that blurs traditional boundaries, making the MQTT broker more versatile and intelligent.

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞:

Effective UNS architecture requires data persistence, involving a historian and/or a structured database.

The historian archives data for analysis, accessible via the same IIoT platform while the structured database holds operational data.

Both are integral to maintaining a historical record and facilitating transactional operations, linking historical and current data for comprehensive analysis and operational efficiency.

​Kudzai