Page 1023 - 2015 Security in Telecommunications and Information Technology

Unleashing the potential of the Internet of Things 8

9.5 Mapping identifiers to objects

The IoT reference model in [ITU-T Y.2060] is composed of four layers as well as management
capabilities and security capabilities associated with the four layers. The four layers are: application
layer, service/application support layer, network layer and device layer. From the point of view of an
identifier, an identifier in each layer is used to map specific objects (resources) in each layer or one
universal identifier can be used to map specific objects (resources) in all layers. Figure 9-1 (a) shows
the case where an identifier in each layer is used to map to specific objects in each layer and Figure
9-1 (b) shows the case where one universal identifier is used to map to specific objects in all layers.

Figure 9-1 – Mapping identifiers to objects
REQ-006: In the case where an identifier in each layer is used to map to specific objects in each
layer, it is required that each identifier, in each layer, does not directly impact other identifiers in
adjacent layers.
When an identifier in each layer is used to map to specific objects in each layer, it is similar to the
usage of identifiers in the conventional Internet. For example, in the application layer URIs and
FQDNs are used. In the service/application support layer, port numbers and session numbers are used.
In the network layer, IPv4 addresses or IPv6 addresses are used. In the device layer, IEEE 802.11
MAC addresses can be used.

REQ-007: In the case where one universal identifier is used to map to specific objects in all layers,
it is recommended that this one universal identifier efficiently maps to specific objects in each layer
and is integrated in a harmonized way.

The case where one universal identifier is used to map to specific objects in all layers is somewhat
different from the conventional Internet. One universal identifier may cover all four layers, provide
interconnection capabilities between physical objects and virtual objects, and provide simplicity. A
universal identifier can be a new identifier with or without interoperability with existing identifiers.
Alternatively, one identifier in each layer can be chosen and used as the one universal identifier.

9.6 Relation between characteristics and requirements
NOTE – This clause does not define requirements.
In clause 8, common characteristics of IoT identifiers are described. Table 9-1 shows the relation
between common characteristics and requirements of the IoT identifiers.

Rec. ITU-T Y.4801/F.748.1 (10/2014) 1009