Layered internet of things (IoT) architectures have been proposed over the last years as they facilitate understanding the roles of different networking, hardware, and software components of smart applications. These are inherently distributed, spanning from devices installed in the field up to a cloud datacenter and further to a user smartphone, passing by intermediary stages at different levels of fog computing infrastructure. However, IoT architectures provide almost no hints on where components should be deployed. IoT Software Platforms derived from the layered architectures are expected to adapt to scenarios with different characteristics, requirements, and constraints from stakeholders and applications. In such a complex environment, a one-size-fits-all approach does not adapt well to varying demands and may hinder the adoption of IoT Smart Applications. In this paper, we propose a 5-layer IoT Architecture and a 5-stage IoT Computing Continuum, as well as provide insights on the mapping of software components of the former into physical locations of the latter. Also, we conduct a performance analysis study with six configurations where components are deployed into different stages. Our results show that different deployment configurations of layered components into staged locations generate bottlenecks that affect system performance and scalability. Based on that, policies for static deployment and dynamic migration of layered components into staged locations can be identified.

Software Defined Networking (SDN) represents a paradigm shift in network architecture, offering unprecedented control and flexibility by decoupling the control and data planes. A critical component of this evolution is the emergence of P4, a programming language designed for the data plane, enabling precise control over packet processing. Despite its potential, the use of P4 is hampered by its complexity and the steep learning curve associated with its programming model. Addressing this challenge, this paper introduces P4P4Docker, a Docker-based P4 switch container named P4Docker, aimed at simplifying the design, management, and debugging of P4 switch test beds. P4Docker also offers an intuitive GUI platform to engage with P4 programming, reducing entry barriers and fostering innovation in network design and experimentation. By providing an intuitive interface, P4Docker enables a more accessible and efficient engagement with P4 programming, offering comprehensive access to logs and system metrics. Ultimately, P4Docker represents a significant step toward making sophisticated network programming more accessible, potentially accelerating the adoption and innovation of SDN and data plane programmability.

A linguagem de programação P4 tem sido amplamente utilizada na programação do plano de dados em dispositivos de rede, permitindo a personalização do processamento de pacotes em switches e roteadores físicos ou virtuais. Este trabalho explora sua aplicação na Internet das Coisas (IoT), investigando sua viabilidade para automação e interoperabilidade. A pesquisa aborda o tratamento de diferentes protocolos e formatos de dados em aplicações IoT com P4. Utilizando P4 Flow Forge e P4Docker, foi desenvolvido um gateway multiprotocolo capaz de identificar diferentes protocolos e tipos de dados, além de gerar alertas via MQTT. Os resultados demonstram o potencial do P4 para otimizar o gerenciamento de redes IoT.