Optimizing Edge Computing with AirLink® Router and AWS IoT Greengrass Solutions

Jesse HallSierra Wireless

How AWS IoT Greengrass Enhances AirLink® Routers for Smarter Connectivity

The food retail industry, particularly grocery stores and wholesale food retailers, has always operated within razor-thin margins, making efficiency crucial. With the rise of smart technology, many food retailers are adopting Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to optimize their operations, cut costs, and ensure compliance with food safety standards.

The adoption of IoT solutions in food retail is still in its early stages, but the potential is immense. As the industry evolves, food retailers will increasingly rely on IoT systems to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve food safety.

Looking ahead, smart shelves that track inventory levels in real-time, automated checkout systems, and robotic systems for stocking shelves and managing inventory are just a few innovations IoT will bring to the food retail space. These advancements will improve the customer experience and create new opportunities for cost savings and operational improvements.

As IoT technology becomes more sophisticated, the benefits for food retailers will only continue to grow. Implementing IoT solutions provides food retailers with various benefits, including enhanced security, operational efficiency, cost savings, and compliance with food safety standards. Leveraging isolated 5G networks and advanced analytics is helping food retailers navigate the challenges of modern-day operations while preparing for a future where smart technologies play an even more significant role in day-to-day business.

Adopting IoT solutions is no longer a choice for food retailers looking to stay ahead of the curve - it’s a necessity. The ability to monitor, analyze, and control key systems in real-time offers a competitive edge that can drive profitability and sustainability in an increasingly competitive market.

What is AWS IoT Greengrass?

AWS IoT Greengrass is an open-source edge runtime and cloud service designed to empower IoT devices with local data processing and secure communication. It allows devices to act autonomously on the data they generate, perform machine learning predictions, and filter or aggregate data at the edge. By enabling local execution, AWS IoT Greengrass minimizes latency, optimizes bandwidth, and ensures devices can respond to local events without relying on constant cloud connectivity. These devices can also securely communicate with AWS IoT Core and export data to the AWS Cloud.

AWS IoT Greengrass supports modular development with pre-built components, enabling seamless integration with AWS services, third-party applications, or custom software. Devices running AWS IoT Greengrass can execute workloads using Lambda functions, Docker containers, native OS processes, or custom runtimes, giving developers flexibility and scalability.

How AWS IoT Greengrass Works

AWS IoT Greengrass Core software runs on devices with Windows or Linux-based distributions, such as Ubuntu and Raspberry Pi OS, supporting ARM and x86 architectures. 

Key functionalities include:

  • Local Data Processing: Devices can process, filter, and act on locally generated data.
  • Machine Learning Predictions: Integration of ML models to enable real-time decision-making at the edge.
  • Flexible Workloads: Support for Lambda functions, Docker containers, and custom runtimes.
  • Component-Based Design: Pre-built components extend device capabilities, allowing for seamless integration with AWS and third-party services.
  • Remote Management: Deploy, configure, and manage edge applications across your device fleet from the cloud.

AWS IoT Greengrass and Semtech AirLink® Routers

The power of AWS IoT Greengrass is its ability to bring cloud-like capabilities to the edge. IoT devices can process data locally, improve responsiveness, and operate autonomously. To fully leverage these benefits, devices must offer robust hardware, reliable connectivity, and compatibility with advanced edge computing software. 

This is where Semtech’s AirLink® routers come into play. Purpose-built for demanding environments, these routers support AWS IoT Greengrass and enhance its functionality by providing high-performance connectivity, rugged design, and simplified integration. Together, they form a seamless solution that optimizes edge computing for industries requiring reliability and efficiency in challenging conditions.

Semtech AirLink® Routers Are The Backbone of Rugged Edge Computing

The ultra-compact AirLink XR60 router is designed for rugged and space-constrained environments and is built to deliver superior performance. It offers cutting-edge 5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, combining advanced networking capabilities, support for private networks, and edge computing functionality. This makes the XR60 ideal for industries requiring high-performance networking in challenging conditions.

The XR60's support for AWS IoT Greengrass v2.14 - which features a nucleus rewritten in C++ for a smaller footprint - enhances its edge computing capabilities. This integration allows developers to build and test edge computing code once and deploy it across the XR60 router, the cloud, or development environments. Backed by a five-year hardware warranty, technical support, and remote management through AirLink Complete, the XR60 router is a comprehensive solution for modern edge computing needs.

Simplified Deployment and Software Updates

Managing software across vast IoT networks can be complex. AWS IoT Greengrass simplifies this process by directly enabling over-the-air software updates to AirLink routers. This eliminates the need for manual updates, streamlining deployment, and ongoing maintenance. Developers benefit from a consistent deployment experience, reducing time and operational costs.

Key Use Cases for AirLink XR60 with AWS IoT Greengrass

Integrating AWS IoT Greengrass with the AirLink XR60 router unlocks many possibilities across industries by providing powerful edge computing capabilities. This combination addresses industry-specific challenges and optimizes operations by processing data locally and enabling seamless device management. Below are some impactful use cases demonstrating how this technology can drive efficiency and innovation.

1. Industrial Applications

Oil and gas, mining, and manufacturing industries operate in environments with limited or intermittent cloud connectivity. In these settings, IoT sensors generate substantial data volumes. AWS IoT Greengrass on AirLink routers allows data to be processed locally and stored until a stable connection is available. This ensures consistent operations and improves decision-making efficiency.

2. Factory Automation

Traditional factory automation bridges machinery that may not be IP-connected through additional computing hardware. Integrated with AWS IoT Greengrass, AirLink routers eliminate this need by handling edge processing directly. This simplifies system architecture, reduces the number of devices required, and lowers costs.

3. Video Surveillance

Video surveillance systems produce vast amounts of data, and transmitting this raw data to the cloud can strain bandwidth and incur significant costs. The AirLink XR60 router, equipped with high-power Armv8-A multi-core processors, processes video data at the edge. This local processing extracts valuable insights, minimizing reliance on cellular connectivity and reducing operational costs.

Streamlining Infrastructure and Reducing Costs

Traditionally, edge computing solutions in industrial settings required both a cellular router and an industrial PC running AWS IoT Greengrass. The AirLink XR60 consolidates these functions, enabling AWS IoT Greengrass workloads to run directly on the router. This integration reduces cabinet size, power consumption, solar panel requirements, system complexity, and overall costs. Additionally, adopting 5G networks amplifies data transmission speeds and responsiveness, enhancing edge computing capabilities.

Advancements in AWS IoT Greengrass v2.14

The latest release of AWS IoT Greengrass (v2.14) introduces several enhancements that align perfectly with the capabilities of the AirLink XR60:

Nucleus Lite Feature

This lightweight runtime agent uses less than 5MB of memory to support resource-constrained devices. Eliminating the Java dependency reduces RAM and storage requirements while maintaining backward compatibility.

Publisher-Supported Components

Developers now have access to third-party vendor-supported components, expanding the possibilities for edge computing applications.

Operation in VPC

AWS IoT Greengrass core devices can now operate within a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), allowing deployments without public internet access and enhancing security and reliability.

Greengrass Testing Framework (GTF)

The GTF enables developers to automate testing, acceptance, and quality assurance, ensuring software reliability.

PSA Certification

AWS IoT Greengrass is now certified in Platform Security Architecture (PSA), bolstering the security of edge deployments.

Unlocking New Possibilities in Edge Computing

Semtech's integration of AWS IoT Greengrass v2.14 with AirLink routers marks a significant advancement in edge computing technology. By streamlining deployment, simplifying updates, and reducing infrastructure requirements, this integration empowers industries to harness the full potential of their IoT devices.

Whether managing complex industrial processes, automating factory operations, or enhancing video surveillance, the AirLink XR60 router combined with AWS IoT Greengrass opens new opportunities for scalable, cost-effective, and efficient edge computing solutions. As industries continue to embrace IoT, solutions like this will be instrumental in driving innovation and operational excellence.

About MCA and Our CNS Team

MCA is one of the largest and most trusted integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives. More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace.

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