Azure IoT Solution Architecture

A full-featured IoT deployment consists of many layers that connect devices (left) to Azure cloud services, not all of which are shown in this diagram. In this scenario, the wide range of IoT device types, from simple sensors to full PC-based devices (for example, kiosks), are shown at left. Messages are transmitted from the devices on one of a variety of protocols, including HTTP, MQTT, AMQP, and others. (See the sidebar “IoT Protocols.”) Optionally, organizations may deploy Azure services at the “edge,” that is, in locations near the devices, to satisfy demanding latency, connectivity, or security requirements.  

 

The architecture centers on Azure IoT Hub, which receives from and sends messages to devices, as well as providing device identity and security. The Device Provisioning Service sets up devices to communicate with IoT Hub and provides firmware and software updates.

 

IoT Hub routes data between devices and applications via a “fast path” (top) or a “slow path” (bottom).