PI Protocol Stack and Enabling Networking Technologies Final
This is the third and final version of the Project’s D1.10 Deliverable addressing the Task 1.6 “PI protocol stack and enabling technologies”. The requirements of the said task and specifically the analysis and assessment of the analogies and applicability of DI elements to the PI evolving concepts have been well detailed and discussed in the first two deliverable reports D1.10 and D1.11. The current and final third version refines the designed components following their implementation under WP2 and their actual application in the project’s LLs particularly as regards to the formation and testing of the PI services.
The purpose of the first version report was to analyse layered service-oriented PI models proposed in the literature (most notably the OLI model) it then proposed fundamental capabilities of PI which would be used to inform subsequent design activities in Work package 2, that will prototype fundamental PI services such as networking and routing. In turn, these PI services will be used to simulate the operations in PI models that are derived from the Project’s Living Labs. The previous version therefore did not aim to propose the ‘best’ PI architectural model, but to analyse, dissect, evaluate and critique existing models, and then synthesize a ‘best of breed’ set of PI characteristics that would form the input to WP2 PI service design activities. Since the existing PI models are largely theoretical the report used analogous developments in the more mature digital Internet, in order to appraise the significance of existing PI proposals.
With the first version providing the framework of the analysis and analogies needed to satisfy requirements of task T1.6, the second version of the deliverable briefly revisited the findings of the initial work and then reviewed the outcome of these aspirations in the service tasks of WP2 and provided the next steps ahead. A more solid approach was already put in place by WP2 technical team and also more elements have been incorporated in the design processes, documented in sections below. Moreover, an analysis of the services under each layer showcased the path that the ICT platform and architectural endeavors need to consider as well as the simulation work, crucial to the testing of the PI performance and functionality. However as mentioned before in the reports produced, due to the conceptual nature of the reference models as well as a number of unknown factors in the PI concept realization, there is clearly more work to be done before concluding on subjects at hand.
Furthermore, the second version analysed the services offered by each layer as requested by the relevant subtask in relation to the upper and lower layer of each, and also visited and discussed the services within each layer for a better insight to the role that the OLI model can really play in the realization of the PI. The aim was a complete, efficient and sustainable logistics service offered across markets and industries. Finally, the ongoing testing in the project’s Living Labs is also a decisive factor on the extent and level of adopting the current DI successful elements and components to the PI infrastructure.
The third and final report is structured in a similar way to the first 2 reports previously submitted i.e. the areas that inspired the protocol stack however in this last version the document concludes on the elements that the PI has adopted, how previous work has finally shaped crucial work under WP2 and the adjustments made to enable the adoption of the various components. Finally, the important outlook of the work beyond project end is also discussed.
The main conclusion of this third version and indeed of the whole series of deliverable reports addressing the PI Protocol Stack and Networking technologies is that the Physical Internet is inspired and can truly be architected along the same principles as the digital Internet with many shared (in functionality) elements. The latest pandemic and its effect on the Supply Chain industries of the world has illustrated vividly the need for a new model for the industry’s operational framework. One that puts emphasis on efficiency, energy impact, interconnecting and cost solutions considerations more than anything else without affecting (or necessarily improving) the customer service. Latest news from the T&L segments all refer to the need for data digitization, synergies, collaborations and shared models/ language via the use of technologies. ICONET as well as other future projects will, do exactly that. One can also refer to similar methodologies in a number of other business domains like Production and Operations management where again standardization and interoperability in a controlled and measured environment can offer advantages in capacity management and quality products and services.
