An IEEE 802.11ax based Edge Computing System for Industrial IoT Applications

The integration of industrial processes into enterprises, known as Industry 4.0, represents a significant shift in product design and manufacturing. To meet strict performance criteria, wired networks are the norm in industrial settings. However, wireless technologies offer numerous advantages, including lower costs and greater factory flexibility. Thanks to recent advances in 5G technology and IEEE 802.11 standards, industrial wireless networks are becoming increasingly viable. Our dissertation proposes a design for a Wireless Industrial system that leverages Wi-Fi technology and supports new and emerging industrial applications based on the IEEE 802.11ax standard. We conducted radio propagation testing of the technology at an industrial test bed and developed an open-source-based system that promotes interoperability between legacy industrial protocols and emerging IoT protocols. To evaluate the system's performance, we established a physical test bed based on international standards and outlined a set of performance criteria. Our test results provide valuable insights into the system's effectiveness.