Optimal Deployment of Fog-Based Solution for Connected Devices in Smart Factory

Internet of Things (IoT) is commonly adopted in Industry 4.0/5.0, but generates an excessive amount of data that affects quality of service (QoS). To address this challenge, Fog-based architectures have emerged to enable faster and more efficient data processing. However, their deployment can be challenging, particularly when dealing with mobile connected devices like robots. To optimize the deployment of Fog-based solution in the presence of mobile connected devices, this article proposes an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) model to find the optimal network structure of hardware devices that will ensure complete coverage of the working area, good QoS, and cost minimization. The proposed model is tested in real and benchmark cases. Results show that the model is effective and robust in optimizing Fog-based solutions deployment while considering the dynamic aspect of mobile devices. Overall, the model offers a valuable approach for managing the increased data volume generated by IoT in industrial environments.