 Chapter 0 : Course Introduction

 0.0 Welcome to I2IoT

 0.0.1 Message to the Student
 0.0.1.1 Welcome

Did you know that farmers can put sensors on their crops that tell them when to water, how much
water is needed, and when to harvest? With this information, farmers can get the best quality and
quantity from their crops. Coal miners can place sensors in a mine that detect tiny amounts of
dangerous gases. This information saves lives.

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes a growing industry of digital technology being harnessed
to the Internet in ways that will improve the lives of every person on this planet. We can only
guess at the number and types of jobs it will create. Maybe you would like a career in the IoT.

The Introduction to the Internet of Things course (I2IoT) explains what the IoT is, what it does,
how it is part of digital transformation, and how you can become part of this. You will learn
about the exponential increase of intelligent devices connected to the internet and you will learn
to program one of these intelligent devices. The course explains artificial intelligence and the
impact of automation to our future. Lastly you will understand the increased importance of
privacy and security.

Welcome to the Introduction to the Internet of Things course!

 0.0.1.2 A Global Community

When you participate in the Cisco Networking Academy, you are joining a global community
linked by common goals and technologies. Schools, colleges, universities, and other entities in
over 160 countries participate in the program.

Look for the Cisco Networking Academy official site on Facebook© and LinkedIn©. The
Facebook site is where you can meet and engage with other Networking Academy students from
around the world. The Cisco Networking Academy LinkedIn site connects you with job postings,
and you can see how others are effectively communicating their skills.

More Than Just Information

The netacad.com learning environment is an important part of the overall course experience for
students and instructors in the Networking Academy. These online course materials include
course text and related interactive media, paper-based labs, and many different types of quizzes.
All of these materials provide important feedback to help you assess your progress throughout the
course.

The material in this course encompasses a broad range of technologies that facilitate how people
work, live, play, and learn by communicating with voice, video, and other data. Networking and
the Internet affect people differently in different parts of the world. Although we have worked
with instructors from around the world to create these materials, it is important that you work
with your instructor and fellow students to make the material in this course applicable to your
local situation.

How We Teach
E-doing is a design philosophy that applies the principle that people learn best by doing. The
curriculum includes embedded, highly interactive e-doing activities to help stimulate learning,
increase knowledge retention, and make the whole learning experience much richer – and that
makes understanding the content much easier.

Interactive Activities

Interactive activities are embedded within the chapters as checks for understanding. Some of
these use “drag and drop” to complete the activity (Figure 1). Others use a “checkbox” method to
complete them (Figure 2). You can check your score immediately. You can also reset and do the
activity as many times as you like.

Labs

Labs are activities that are designed to be performed on physical equipment (Figure 3). Some labs
are written as class or small group activities that may or may not involve equipment. It is very
important to learn and practice physical skills by using the labs in this course in preparation for a
career in IT. Working on physical equipment not only develops skills, but also reinforces
knowledge and builds confidence. This is very important as you move into the IT field.

Packet Tracer

In the Networking chapters, you will configure a simple network using Packet Tracer, the
Networking Academy network simulation tool (Figure 4). Packet Tracer is a very robust tool that
you will use regularly as you participate in more advanced networking courses. You will
complete labs in Chapter 1 to download Packet Tracer, learn how to navigate in the package, and
how to create simple networks.

Assessments

Some chapters include topic assessments that are embedded into the curriculum and are meant
entirely for self-evaluation. Each chapter in the course has an online chapter quiz (Figure 5). This
is scored automatically, showing you the areas where you excel, as well as any areas where you
may want to do some additional study or practice. There is an online, end-of-course final exam.

Course Overview
The goal of this course is to explain the Internet of Things and digital technology and to highlight
how these two factors are now part of a broader category called digital transformation.

After completing this course you will be able to do the following:

 Explain the meaning and impact of digital transformation.

 Apply basic programming to support IoT devices.

 Explain how data provides value to digital business and society.

 Explain the benefits of automation in the digitized world.

 Explain the need for enhanced security in the digitized world.

 Discover opportunities provided by digital transformation.

  Chapter 1 Everything is Connected
 1.1 Digital Transformation
 1.1.1 Digitization Transforms Business
 1.1.1.1 The Evolution of Digital Transformation
 Tell the truth …. how many of you could actually make it through a day without your
smartphone?
 In our world today, there are more smart devices than there are people. A growing number
of people are connected to the Internet, in one way or another, 24 hours a day. An ever-
increasing number of people have, and rely on, three, four, or more smart devices. These
might include smartphones, exercise and health monitors, e-readers, and tablets. As
shown in Figure 1, by 2020, it is forecast that each consumer will have an average of 6.58
smart devices.
 How is it possible for so many devices to be connected?
 Modern digital networks make all of this possible. The world is quickly being covered
with networks that allow digital devices to interconnect and transmit. Think of the mesh
of networks like a digital skin surrounding the planet, as illustrated in Figure 2. With this
digital skin, mobile devices, electronic sensors, electronic measuring devices, medical
devices, and gauges are all able to connect. They monitor, communicate, evaluate, and in
some cases automatically adjust to the data that is being collected and transmitted.
 As society embraces these digital devices, as digital networks continue to grow around the
world, and as the economic benefits of digitization continue to grow, we are seeing a
digital transformation. Digital transformation is the application of digital technology to
provide the stage for business and industry to innovate. This digital innovation is now
being applied to every aspect of human society.

Lab - How Connected are You?

It is important to understand that most people born since the 1990s, will have grown up in a
primarily digital world. This survey will help you to recognize how much of the day is actually
spent “connected”. This will help us to see the impact this generation will have on business and
the economy.

Determine Your Generation

Determine your connected generation by taking this fun survey that was created by
PricewaterhouseCoopers:

http://surveys.strategyand.pwc.com/DigitalGenerationTool/index.php
The Impact of Digital Transformation on Business

Digital Technology has enabled business to innovate their approach to interacting

with society.  People from all generations are more comfortable with digital
technology and are using smart devices to their advantage throughout their busy
days.
Many companies now provide some or all of their services on-line.  From the comfort
of your home, car, gym, or office, you can shop for groceries on-line, order restaurant
meals to be delivered to your door, book travel on-line, order clothes, camping gear,
taxis, stay connected to friends, or meet a new love interest.

Sensors are everywhere generating massive amounts of data.

Smart homes can be equipped with motion sensors, water sensors, light sensors,
doorbell sensors, and temperature sensors. There can be sensors in traffic lights,
transport trucks, parking garages, security cameras, trains, and planes.  All of these
sensors and measuring devices collect and transmit their data.  The data can be stored
and analyzed at a later date or it can be analyzed immediately to be used to modify
computers, mobile devices, or processes of any sort.

How is the stored and analyzed data used?

Businesses: determine buying patterns, forecast new trends, and streamline production

Governments: monitor the environment, forecast population trends, predict crime

rates, and plan for social services  

Cities: control traffic, monitor parking, provide police or fire support quicker, and
control waste management. 

 1.1.1.5 Can smart devices think?

All digital devices work based on computer programs and supplied data.  Artificial Intelligence implies
that these devices are able to think on their own.  If programmed appropriately, smart devices are able
to evaluate data that is provided to them and modify processes or settings “on the fly”. If they are
provided with sufficient data, they can “learn” and modify their own code based on the new parameters.

Smart Cities, such as Barcelona, Spain, use sensors to control many of their infrastructure
systems such as traffic flow, parking, water utilization, and hydro.
Example 1: Weight sensors in parking spaces allow drivers to quickly know where there is an
available parking spot. This reduces driving and idling time for the driver and lowers carbon
emissions for the environment.

Example 2: Sensors on traffic lights can detect traffic congestion. This data is sent to the
computer system that collects data and make decisions. The new decisions are sent to actuators
that modify red versus green light times to assist the flow of traffic. This also alleviates idling but
also reduces driver frustration and accidents.

Imagine a refrigerated transport truck, carrying frozen goods, that is equipped with a global
positioning sensor.  As the truck drives into a major city, the sensor determines that there is an
accident ahead that is causing major traffic congestion. The sensor sends the data to the computer
system that collects the data and make decisions. The system then alerts the driver to the new
conditions so that the accident can be bypassed.

This automatic interaction has saved the driver time and will get the transported product to
market faster with a product that is still frozen.

Self-driving cars are revolutionizing transportation. The cars are equipped with many ultrasound
sensors, cameras, precision GPSs, and computers. The combination of the on-board equipment
allows the computers to identify, other cars, lanes, pedestrians, and obstructions. This information
allows the car to stay in its lane, stop when required, and weave around obstructions.

Some of the manufacturers in the "autonomous car" market are Tesla Motors, General Motors,
Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz. Corporations such as Waymo, Google's sibling, and Uber are also
designing and testing the technology.

The road to complete autonomy using this technology is complicated. There have been many
high profile crashes and some serious accidents involving self-driving cars. Some states within
the USA have already approved limited use of self-driving cars but researchers believe it will be
a few years before the technology becomes mainstream.

Once the technology is proven, what is next? Self-driving trucks? Airplanes? Trains?

Corporate offices can be occupied by thousands of employees.  Keeping the environment, such as
lighting, heat, humidity, in the building within acceptable parameters helps to keep employees
happy and therefore more productive.

Click here to view an video about an Ideal Building

Introduction to Packet Tracer
Cisco Packet Tracer is an innovative network simulation and visualization tool. This free
software helps you to practice your network configuration and troubleshooting skills. You can
use your desktop computer, or an Android or iOS based mobile device. Packet Tracer is available
for both the Linux and Windows desktop environments.

Students commonly use Packet Tracer to:

 Prepare for a certification exam.

 Practice what they learn in networking courses.

 Sharpen their skills for a job interview.

 Examine the impact of adding new technologies into existing network designs.

 Build their skills for jobs in the Internet of Things.

 Compete in Global Design Challenges (take a look at the 2017 PT 7 Design Challenge on
Facebook).

Packet Tracer is an essential learning tool used in many Cisco Networking Academy courses.

Click Play in the video for a detailed walk-through of the Packet Tracer download and
installation process.

Click here to read a transcript of this video.

To obtain and install your copy of Cisco Packet Tracer follow these simple steps:

1. Log into your Cisco Networking Academy “I’m Learning” page.

2. Select Resources from the menu in the upper right portion of your screen.

3. Select Download Packet Tracer.

4. Select the version of Packet Tracer you require.

5. Save the file to your computer.

6. Launch the Packet Tracer install program.

7. After installation, close and restart your web browser.

8. Launch Cisco Packet Tracer by selecting the appropriate icon.

9. When prompted, use your Netacad login information to authenticate.

Packet Tracer – Deploying and Cabling

Devices
Since Packet Tracer simulates networks and network traffic, the physical aspects of these
networks also need to be simulated. This includes actually finding and deploying physical
devices, customizing those devices, and cabling those devices. After the physical deployment and
cabling is done, then it is time for configuration of the interfaces used to connect the devices.

Finding a device to deploy requires looking in the Device-Type Selection Box. The Device-Type
Selection Box works on the concept of categories and sub-categories as shown in the figure.

The top row of icons represents the category list consisting of: [Networking Devices], [End
Devices], [Components], [Connections], [Miscellaneous], and [Multiuser]. Each category
contains at least one sub-category group. 

Packet Tracer – Deploying and Cabling Devices Instructions

Packet Tracer – Deploying and Cabling Devices - PKA

Networking is the Foundation

Thirty billion things provide trillions of gigabytes of data. How can they work together to
enhance our decision-making and improve our lives and our businesses? Enabling these
connections are the networks that we use daily. These networks provide the foundation for the
Internet and the digitized world.

The methods that we use to communicate continue to evolve. Whereas we were once limited by
cables and plugs, breakthroughs in wireless and digital technology have significantly extended
the reach of our communications.

Networks form the foundation of the digitized world. Networks come in all sizes. They can range
from simple networks consisting of two computers to networks connecting millions of devices.

Simple networks in homes enable connectivity to the Internet. They also enable the sharing of
resources, such as printers, documents, pictures, and music, between a few local computers.

In businesses and large organizations, networks can provide products and services to customers
through their connection to the Internet. Networks can also be used on an even broader scale to
provide consolidation, storage, and access to information on network servers. Networks allow for
email, instant messaging, and collaboration among employees. In addition, the network enables
connectivity to new places, giving machines more value in industrial environments.

The Internet is the largest network in existence and effectively provides the “electronic skin” that
surrounds the planet. In fact, the term Internet means a “network of networks”. The Internet is
literally a collection of interconnected private and public networks. Businesses, small office
networks, and home networks connect to the Internet.

Network Types
Modern networks can be a bit confusing. There are many types that are characterized by their
geographic size, by the number of devices or networks that they connect, and by whether they
support mobile devices or not. Networks can also be characterized by their function and purpose.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

Personal area networks are small networks where connected wireless devices are within personal
reach (Figure 1). Connecting your smartphone to your car using Bluetooth is an example of a
PAN.

Local Area Network (LAN)

LANs are typically networks in a small or local geographic area, such as a home, small business
or department within a large corporation (Figure 2). LANs can connect two or more devices,
including computers, printers, and wireless devices. LANs provide access to larger wide area
networks (WANs) and the Internet.

Wide Area Networks (WANs)

The term WAN typically refers to a collection of LANs that provides inter-LAN and Internet
connectivity for businesses and governments.

Internet The Internet is a multi-layer global network system that connects hundreds of millions
of computers (Figure 3). The Internet is not owned by any one person or organization. This large
system is comprised of multiple local and global networks serving private, public, business,
academic, and government purposes. It allows for the exchange of data between more than a
hundred Internet-linked countries worldwide. This makes the Internet an enormous carrier of
various information resources and services. Some of these include text and multi-media data,
email, online chat, VoIP, file transfer and file sharing, ecommerce, and online gaming.

Wireless Networks

Wireless networks are those computer networks that use electromagnetic waves instead of wires
in order to carry signals over the various parts of the network. Wireless networks can be
described as PANs, LANs or WANs, depending on their scope.
Because browsing the Internet is considered a normal daily activity, wireless access points have
become common place in the communication infrastructure today. Public Internet-connected
places include libraries, airports, coffee shops, hotels, and specialized Internet cafes. Thanks to
Wi-Fi technology, the Internet can now be accessed by every person with a laptop, tablet, or
smartphone. Figure 4 shows the different categories of wireless networks that are available.

The Cloud

The term “cloud” is used in many different ways. The cloud is not as much a type of network as it
is a collection of data centers or groups of connected servers that are used to store and analyze
data, provide access to on-line applications, and provide backup services for personal and
corporate use (Figure 5). Cloud services are provided by different organizations.

The Edge

The edge refers to the physical “edge” of a corporate network.

Fog Computing

With the rising number of sensors used by the Internet of Things, there is often a need to store the
sensor data securely and closer to where the data can be analyzed. This analyzed data can then be
used quickly and effectively to update or modify processes within the organization. Figure 6
shows an example of a smart city and how sensor data is processed. The fog is located at the edge
of a business or corporate network. Servers and computer programs allow the data to be pre-
processed for immediate use. Then the pre-processed data can be sent to the cloud for more in-
depth computing if required.

Activity - Network Terms

Use the arrow keys at the bottom of the screen or click the next slide circle to move to the next
question.

What type of computing allows local data to be pre-processed at the edge of the network?

 wireless

 cloud

 sensor
 .

 fog

What is the acronym for the network type that allows a personal fitness monitor to connect to a
smartphone?

 WAN

 LAN

 Internet

 PAN

What is described as the network of networks and is the largest network in the world?

 LAN

 internet

 cloud

 PAN

What technology allows wireless devices to connect to other devices within a distance of a
person's arm?

 fog computing
 .

 WiFi

 cellular

 Bluetooth

What type of networks use electromagnetic waves instead of wires?

 Cloud

 Ethernet

 internet

 wireless

What is the name of a collection of servers and data centers within the Internet that is used to
store and access data anywhere, anytime, and on any device?

 PAN

 internet

 cloud

 WAN
What is the acronym for a small business network that might connect 3 PCs and 4 wireless
devices?

 LAN

 fog

 WAN

 PAN

 wireless

Lab - Mapping the Internet

In this lab, you will use an Internet connection and three route tracing utilities to examine the
Internet pathway to destination networks.

Lab - Mapping the Internet

Packet Tracer - Create a Simple Network

Using Packet Tracer
In this lab, you will use Packet Tracer to create a simple network.

Packet Tracer - Create a Simple Network Using Packet Tracer Instructions

What is the IoT?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the connection of millions of smart devices and sensors connected
to the Internet. These connected devices and sensors collect and share data for use and evaluation
by many organizations. These organizations include businesses, cities, governments, hospitals
and individuals. The IoT has been possible, in part, due to the advent of cheap processors and
wireless networks. Previously inanimate objects such as doorknobs or light bulbs can now be
equipped with an intelligent sensor that can collect and transfer data to a network.

Researchers estimate that over 3 million new devices are connected to the Internet each month.
Researchers also estimate that in the next four years, there are going to be over 30 billion
connected devices worldwide.

Perhaps a third of connected devices will be computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. The
remaining two-thirds will be other kinds of “things”: sensors, actuators, and newly invented
intelligent devices that monitor, control, analyze, and optimize our world.

Some examples of intelligent connected sensors are: smart doorbells, garage doors, thermostats,
sports wearables, pacemakers, traffic lights, parking spots, and many others. The limit of
different objects that could become intelligent sensors is limited only by our imagination.

Lab - Imagine a New Intelligent Sensor.

Many devices have sensors in them that affect the operation of processes or generate data to
assist governments and businesses. Use your imagination to think of devices that could be made
more useful if they contained intelligent sensors.

Lab - Imagine a New Intelligent Sensor

 1.2.1.3 What are the Benefits of Connecting these IoT Devices?

Businesses have more information about products that they sell and who is purchasing them. Armed
with this type of data, they can streamline production and target their marketing and advertising to
specific areas or audiences, promotes creation of new business opportunities and marketing ideas.

Manufacturing saves money, improves efficiency, and improves productivity of manufacturing processes
and operations. Manufacturers reduce downtime by predicting maintenance requirements and
improving scheduling of field service employees.

Retailers are able to do more target marketing, reduce losses based on unsold products, and can provide
loyalty bonuses for preferred or frequent customers, as well as manage types of in-store products.

Governments monitor environmental issues, target funding for social issues, and have informed control
of power output.

Cities have the ability to control traffic patterns based on time of day or major events, monitor and
control garbage and recycling, monitor health and housing needs, and evaluate future transportation
requirements.

Individuals can reap improved fitness and health benefits, better home and family security, and
reduced costs for energy and heating systems. They can enjoy more varied entertainment, limit
the speed a teenage driver can reach, or even monitor the health of an older family member at the
wheel of their car.

Lab - Advantages and Disadvantages of IoT

Devices
In this activity, you brainstorm to determine if the advantages of collecting sensor data outweigh
any disadvantages.

Lab - Advantages and Disadvantages of IoT Devices

How are IoT Devices Connected to the

Network?
A sensor needs to be connected to a network so that the gathered data can be stored and shared.
This requires either a wired Ethernet connection or a wireless connection to a controller.
Controllers are responsible for collecting data from sensors and providing network or Internet
connectivity. Controllers may have the ability to make immediate decisions, or they may send
data to a more powerful computer for analysis. This more powerful computer might be in the
same LAN as the controller or might only be accessible through an Internet connection.

Sensors often work together with a device called an actuator. Actuators take electrical input and
transform the input into physical action. As an example, if a sensor detects excess heat in a room,
the sensor sends the temperature reading to the microcontroller. The microcontroller can send the
data to an actuator which would then turn on the air conditioner.

The majority of new devices such as fitness wearables, implanted pacemakers, air meters in a
mine shaft, and water meters in a farm field all require wireless connectivity. Because many
sensors are “out in the field” and are powered by batteries or solar panels, consideration must be
given to power consumption. Low-powered connection options must be used to optimize and
extend the availability of the sensor.

Explore a Smart Home

Packet Tracer has a wide variety of sensors and smart devices that will allow you to design smart
homes, smart cities, smart factories, and smart power grids.

To locate the available sensors and smart devices, select End Devices from the Device Selection
box at the lower left-hand side of the screen. Next, select the subcategory Home. In this
subcategory, you will see many IoT devices including an air conditioner, ceiling fan, coffee
maker, and CO detector. These devices can be connected to your network wirelessly or with a
physical cable.
To connect the devices to your network, you need a home gateway or registration server. To find
a home gateway, select Network Devices from the Device Selection box and then select Wireless
Devices from the subcategories.

To control the devices, you have two options:

1. You can interact directly with a device. Hold down the Alt key and at the same time click on
the device to turn it on or off.

2. You can connect remotely over the network. Using a remote PC, tablet or smart phone, use a
web browser to connect to the home gateway or registration server. From here, you can turn the
devices on or off using the features of the home gateway or registration server.

To configure devices, click on the device to open it. After it is opened, multiple tabs are
displayed:

• Specifications – describes the features, usage, local and remote control of the device

• Physical – available modules and power connections

• Config – shows display name, serial number, network configuration, and IoT server

• Attributes – displays the device attributes such as MTBF, power consumption, and cost

To configure the home gateway, click on the device. Within the device multiple tabs are
displayed:

• Physical – available modules, and power

• Config – shows display name, interfaces (Internet, LAN, and wireless) to be configured

• GUI – shows services to be turned on/off

• Attributes – shows features and values related to device such as mean time between failure
(MTBF), cost, power sources, and wattage

Click Play in the video to explore IoT devices in a Smart Home.

Click here to read a transcript of this video.

Packet Tracer - Adding IoT Devices to a
Smart Home
In this activity you will open a Packet Tracer file with an existing home network, explore the
devices on the network and then add additional wired and wireless IoT devices.

Packet Tracer - Adding IoT Devices to a Smart Home Instructions

Packet Tracer - Adding IoT Devices to a Smart Home - PKT

Accessing and Monitoring an IoT Network

The Home Gateway device acts as a local connection to your IoT smart devices. This device was
designed to provide Internet access, wireless connectivity, and local logic for smart devices. The
Home Gateway device provides an IoT registration service that is always turned on and an auto
discovery service for Things in the local Ethernet and wireless network. After devices are
connected to the home gateway, the user can control and monitor the smart devices from their
smartphone, tablet, or PC.

After a home gateway device has been added to the logical workspace, click on the device. You
will see the following:
• Physical tab – the device has an Internet port, four LAN ports, and multiple antennae.

• Config tab – this shows the interfaces and network settings that are configurable.

• GUI tab – this shows the registration server inside the device that allows for interaction with
IoT devices. It is on by default but can be turned off.

• Attributes tab – This is blank by default but can show features and values such as MTBF, cost,
power source, and wattage.

After connecting the home gateway to an existing network, select the Config tab. The internet
and the wireless interfaces should obtain IP addressing information from the network.

To connect an IoT device, such as a fan, wirelessly, click on the fan and select the Config tab.
Select the Advanced button in the lower right corner to view more options.

To configure and register the fan with the home gateway:

Step 1. Select I/O Config and then select wireless adapter from the network adaptors dropdown
list.

Step 2. Select Config to verify that the fan has established a wireless connection to the correct
SSID. This can also be done visually by viewing the fan in the workspace.

Step 3. Select Config/Settings and select the home gateway as the IoT server registration device.

To control the fan remotely

Step 1. Add a tablet, PC, or smart phone to the workspace and connect it to the home gateway.
Click on the remote device and select Desktop/IPConfig to verify connectivity.

Step 2. Return to the desktop and select the web browser. Use the default gateway address from
the remote device as the URL. This is the address of the home gateway. After you are into the
home gateway, you should see the registered fan and be able to modify its settings.

Click Play in the video to learn about accessing and monitoring a small IoT home network using
a home gateway.

Click here to read a transcript of this video.

Packet Tracer - Connect and Monitor IoT

Devices
In this activity you will add a Home Gateway and several IoT devices to an existing home
network and monitor those devices through the Home Gateway.

Packet Tracer - Connect and Monitor IoT Devices Instructions

Packet Tracer - Connect and Monitor IoT Devices - PKT

The Future of Networks

Networks are now connecting billions of sensors. Through software, the data from these sensors
can cause changes to physical environments without human intervention.

As was mentioned previously, all digital devices work based on computer programs and supplied
data. Artificial Intelligence implies that these devices are able to think on their own. If
programmed appropriately, smart devices are able to evaluate data that is provided to them and
modify processes or settings immediately. If they are provided with sufficient data, they can
“learn” and modify their own code based on the new parameters.

So what comes next?

We know that software can be written to let data modify parameters within code for changing the
temperature setting in your home or the speed with which your teenager can drive the family car.
Why could we not provide software with rules, guidelines, or intent so that data could modify the
network, infrastructure features, or security features within a network? This is actually already
possible. It is called Intent-Based Networking (IBN).

Here is a simple example to better understand the concept of IBN: The business may define that a
contract employee is given access to only a specific set of data and applications. This is the
intent. In an intent-based networking system (IBN), all the network devices will be automatically
configured to fulfil this requirement across the network, no matter where the employee is
connected. VLAN, subnet, ACL and all other details will be automatically defined and
configured following best practices. The intent has to be defined once in a central management
console, and then, the network will continuously assure it, even if there are changes in the
network.

Click Play in Figure 1 to watch a video showing the use of Cisco’s version of IBN.

Click here to read a transcript of this video.

Click Play in Figure 2 to watch another video which describes intent-based networking.

Click here to read a transcript of this video

Summary
The world is quickly being covered with networks which allow digital devices to interconnect
and transmit. As digital networks continue to grow around the world, and as the economic
benefits of digitization continue to grow, we are seeing a digital transformation. Digital
transformation is the application of digital technology to provide the stage for business and
industry to innovate.

Sensors are now everywhere, collecting and transmitting massive amounts of data. The generated
data can be stored and analyzed at a later date, or it can be analyzed and used immediately.
Sensors can be in the home, on traffic lights, in farm fields, and on our bodies. The analyzed data
is used by governments, cities, businesses, and individuals to effect changes such as monitoring
the environment, forecasting population growth, controlling waste management, or securing a
home.

Networks form the foundation of the digitized world. There are many types of networks that are
characterized by their geographic size, by the number of devices or networks that they connect,
and by whether they support mobile devices or not. Networks can also be characterized by their
function and purpose.

 PAN: Bluetooth

 LAN
  WAN: Internet, the cloud, fog computing

 Wireless: Wi-Fi, Cellular

A sensor typically connects to a controller using a wireless connection. Controllers collect data
from sensors and send the data for storage or analysis. Controllers may have the ability to make
immediate decisions, or they may work together with a device called an actuator. Actuators take
electrical input and transform the input into physical action.

Networks are now connecting billions of sensors and have the ability to make changes to physical
environments without human intervention. The future of networking will revolve around artificial
intelligence (AI) and intent-based networking (IBN). If programmed appropriately, smart devices
are able to evaluate data that is provided to them and modify processes or settings. If they are
provided with sufficient data, they can “learn” and modify their own code based on the new
parameters.