Simulation-Based Development of Internet of Cyber-Things Using DEVS

Internet of Things (IoT) is about networking smart devices to share information, while Cyberphysical Systems (CPS) is about integrating computational intelligence directly into physical processes to enable control and automation. CPS goes beyond connecting devices to include real-time processing and decision-making capabilities. We will call the combined ecosystem the Internet of Cyber-Things (IoCT), to convey a vision where smart devices are not just connected but are also tightly integrated with physical control systems—a network where digital and physical realms work harmoniously. Simulation-based development of a combined Internet of Things (IoCT) and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) using DEVS (Discrete Event System Specification) is an approach that leverages simulation techniques to design, analyze, and optimize systems in which smart devices (IoCT) interact closely with real-world control processes (CPS). This methodology allows developers to virtually build, test and implement complex systems within the same formal framework. In this review, we will show that DEVS has the necessary properties, including model expressiveness and development continuity, to serve as an IoCT simulation-based development language. We will illustrate with several examples to show the wide applicability to IoCT systems. We will demonstrate the added value of the System Entity Structure (SES) to enhance expressiveness, scalability, and flexibility in IoCT system design, making it a powerful tool for managing complexity and enabling efficient simulation and deployment. In addition, we will formulate conditions that are necessary and sufficient for IoCT system development and show how DEVS-based model-driven engineering methodology helps to meet them.