Azure IoT Edge is an open-source platform that extends cloud intelligence and analytics to IoT edge devices. It enables devices to run AI, Azure services, and custom logic directly on-premises, while still being managed from the cloud. This project provides the core runtime and modules for Azure IoT Edge.

Pros

• Enables edge computing, reducing latency and bandwidth usage
• Supports offline and intermittent connectivity scenarios
• Provides a secure and manageable platform for deploying IoT solutions
• Integrates seamlessly with Azure IoT Hub and other Azure services

Cons

• Requires familiarity with Azure ecosystem and cloud concepts
• May have a steeper learning curve for developers new to IoT or edge computing
• Limited to Azure cloud platform, which may not suit all use cases
• Resource requirements may be higher compared to simpler IoT solutions

Code Examples

1. Deploying a module to IoT Edge:

{
  "modulesContent": {
    "$edgeAgent": {
      "properties.desired": {
        "modules": {
          "SampleModule": {
            "type": "docker",
            "status": "running",
            "restartPolicy": "always",
            "settings": {
              "image": "mcr.microsoft.com/azureiotedge-simulated-temperature-sensor:1.0"
            }
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

2. Sending telemetry from an IoT Edge module:

import asyncio
from azure.iot.device.aio import IoTHubModuleClient

async def main():
    module_client = IoTHubModuleClient.create_from_edge_environment()
    await module_client.connect()

    while True:
        telemetry = {"temperature": 25.0, "humidity": 60.0}
        await module_client.send_message(str(telemetry))
        await asyncio.sleep(5)

if __name__ == "__main__":
    asyncio.run(main())

3. Configuring routes for IoT Edge:

{
  "$schema": "https://json.schemastore.org/azure-iot-edge-deployment-2.0",
  "modulesContent": {
    "$edgeHub": {
      "properties.desired": {
        "routes": {
          "SensorToCloud": "FROM /messages/modules/SensorModule/* INTO $upstream",
          "FilterToAlert": "FROM /messages/modules/FilterModule/* INTO BrokeredEndpoint(\"/modules/AlertModule/inputs/input1\")"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

Getting Started

1. Install Azure IoT Edge on your device:

   curl https://packages.microsoft.com/config/ubuntu/18.04/multiarch/prod.list > ./microsoft-prod.list
   sudo cp ./microsoft-prod.list /etc/apt/sources.list.d/
   curl https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | gpg --dearmor > microsoft.gpg
   sudo cp ./microsoft.gpg /etc/apt/trusted.gpg.d/
   sudo apt-get update
   sudo apt-get install aziot-edge
   

2. Provision your device in Azure IoT Hub and configure the connection string:

   sudo iotedge config mp --connection-string "YOUR_DEVICE_CONNECTION_STRING"
   sudo iotedge config apply
   

3. Verify the installation:

   sudo iotedge check