Smart Buildings Using Web of Things with .NET Core: A Framework for Inter-Device Connectivity and Secure Data Transfer

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is experiencing rapid growth, with an increasing number of devices connected to the Internet. By 2020, approximately 54% of the 21.7 billion active internet-connected devices worldwide were IoT devices. This number is projected to reach 30 billion by 2025, with an average of four IoT devices per person globally. IoT devices use communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RFID, to facilitate data exchange. However, the absence of standardized communication protocols and reprogrammable architectures presents significant challenges for IoT applications. Smart buildings, which heavily depend on IoT technology, are particularly affected by the diversity of protocols and standards used by different devices. The Web of Things (WoT) framework has been introduced to address these challenges, enabling interoperability among devices with heterogeneous communication protocols and enhancing system programmability. The increasing adoption of IoT devices necessitates more efficient communication protocols and integrated architectures to meet the demands of modern innovative building systems. This study presents a WoT-based modular architecture designed to ensure compatibility among devices and protocols while providing scalable, flexible, and secure solutions tailored to the current IoT trends. In this study, an Application Programming Interface (API) and a Worker Service were developed using .NET Core technology and the WoT framework for modular intelligent building automation. This system integrates various subsystems, leveraging hardware and communication protocols for seamless functionality. The API facilitates device monitoring and control, while the Worker Service manages scheduling and database operations. The system supports asynchronous communication by employing the HTTP and WebSocket protocols and provides multi-user access with role-based authorization. The proposed automation system was implemented and evaluated, demonstrating its practical applicability and effectiveness in managing complex, innovative building environments.