Enhancing Interoperability in the Web of Things: A Reference Architecture Approach

The concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) has fundamentally redefined the connectivity landscape by integrating physical devices with the Internet for data exchange. The Web of Things (WoT) takes this integration a step further by embedding IoT devices within the web, thus facilitating their interoperability. However, the inherent complexity of WoT architecture requires a layer of abstraction to simplify development and integration. Patterns and reference architectures (RAs) provide such an abstraction, modeling solutions for recurrent problems within this domain. In this paper, we aim to develop an RA for the WoT ecosystem. We use architectural patterns to build the RA of the WoT. Here, we present the WoT gateway pattern, which provides a clear and adaptable framework for integrating diverse IoT devices, ensuring seamless communication and functionality within the broader web ecosystem. The purpose of this pattern is twofold: to ensure the interoperability of WoT implementations and to serve as a foundational guide for developers navigating the multifaceted challenges of WoT system design. The pattern also paves the way for building an RA for IoT environments. KEYWORDS Architectural patterns, Internet of Things, reference architecture, web development, web science, WoT