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Aida Controller & Platform Architecture

Overview​

The Aida system is a distributed building management solution composed of two main components:

  • Aida Controller: An on-premises, Dockerized server deployed at each site/building, responsible for local automation, device integration, and data aggregation.
  • Aida Platform: A cloud-based application that manages multiple controllers/sites, provides centralized analytics, and exposes APIs for third-party integrations.

This architecture ensures robust local operation at each site, while enabling centralized management, analytics, and integration at the platform level.

High-Level Architecture Diagram​

Aida Architecture

Components​

1. Aida Platform (Cloud)​

  • Platform Frontend:
    • Built with React.
    • Provides a unified dashboard for managing all sites and controllers.
  • Platform Backend:
    • Built with Node.js and Express.
    • Exposes an HTTPS API for the frontend, controllers, and third-party applications.
    • Handles authentication (via SupaBase SSO), user management, and site aggregation.
  • Database:
    • PostgreSQL for application data, user accounts, and site metadata.
  • Third-Party Integrations:
    • External applications (e.g., Cisco Spaces) can interact with the platform via the HTTPS API.

2. Aida Controller (On-Premises, Per Site)​

Each site runs its own Aida Controller instance in a Docker container, providing:

  • Controller Frontend:
    • React-based local dashboard for configuration and monitoring.
    • Supports local login.
  • Controller Backend:
    • Python (Flask) application.
    • Exposes an HTTPS API for the frontend and for secure communication with the platform.
    • Handles all automation logic and device integrations.
  • Local Database:
    • PostgreSQL for storing site-specific data, configuration, and local user accounts.
  • Automation Modules:
    • Lighting Control & Automation
    • Shade Control & Automation
    • Fault Managed Power (FMP) Control & Automation
    • HVAC Control & Automation
    • Sensor Data Collection
  • Protocol Support:
    • HTTP/HTTPS
    • MQTT/MQTTS
    • CoAP
    • BACnet IP
  • Device Integration:
    • Network switches, sensors, and other building management devices.

Data Flow​

  1. Local Operation:

    • Each controller operates autonomously, managing devices and automation at its site.
    • Local users can access the controller dashboard for configuration and monitoring.

  2. Platform Integration:

    • Controllers communicate with the platform backend via secure HTTPS APIs.
    • The platform aggregates data from all controllers for centralized management, analytics, and reporting.

  3. Authentication:

    • Platform users authenticate via SupaBase SSO.
    • Controllers support local login for on-site access.

  4. Third-Party Access:

    • External applications can access platform data and features via the platform's HTTPS API.

Deployment Model​

  • Controllers:

    • Deployed as Docker containers on-premises at each site.
    • Each controller is independent, ensuring local resilience and operation even if cloud connectivity is lost.

  • Platform:

    • Deployed in the cloud, managing multiple controllers/sites.
    • Provides a single pane of glass for enterprise-wide building management.

Security Considerations​

  • All API communications use HTTPS for secure data transfer.
  • Platform authentication is managed via SupaBase SSO.
  • Controllers support local authentication for on-premises access.
  • Data segregation between sites is enforced at both the controller and platform levels.

Scalability​

  • The architecture supports scaling to hundreds or thousands of sites, with each controller operating independently.
  • The platform backend and database can be horizontally scaled to handle increased load and data volume.

Summary​

The Aida architecture provides a robust, scalable, and secure solution for modern building management, combining the reliability of on-premises control with the power and flexibility of cloud-based management and analytics.