Empowering Smart Homes with Fog Computing for IoT Connectivity

Innovative grid technology leverages Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance energy efficiency and mitigate losses. This paper introduces a “novel three-tier hierarchical framework for smart homes within the Internet of Things (IoT)” ecosystem, addressing the current shortage of intelligent solutions that underutilize IoT advantages. Our framework's primary objective is to elevate smart homes to the microgrid level, enabling the seamless integration from the microgrid's renewable distributed energy sources and attaining maximum energy efficiency. In addition to traditional data processing, we propose the application of fog computing in smart homes. Through a rigorous simulation using real smart meter datasets, our study demonstrates that fog computing, mainly when using predictive filtering, may drastically cut down on the amount of data being sent and the load on the home's network. This innovation holds immense potential for revolutionizing energy management and resource allocation in the context of smart homes, thus contributing to a sustainable and efficient future. This research represents a critical step towards harnessing the power of IoT and fog computing in smart grids and homes, offering a promising path towards more intelligent, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient living spaces.