Introduction and Concepts :

Defination and characteristics of Introduction to IoT

The internet of things, or IoT, is a network of interrelated devices that connect and exchange data
with other IoT devices and the cloud.
OR
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and
other physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity,
allowing them to collect and share data.

Characteristics
The Internet of Things (IoT) is characterized by the following key features that are mentioned
below.

1. Connectivity
Connectivity is an important requirement of the IoT infrastructure. Things of IoT should be
connected to the IoT infrastructure. Anyone, anywhere, anytime can connect, this should be
guaranteed at all times. For example, the connection between people through Internet devices like
mobile phones, and other gadgets, also a connection between Internet devices such as routers,
gateways, sensors, etc.

2. Intelligence and Identity

The extraction of knowledge from the generated data is very important. For example, a sensor
generates data, but that data will only be useful if it is interpreted properly. Each IoT device has a
unique identity. This identification is helpful in tracking the equipment and at times for querying
its status.

3. Scalability
The number of elements connected to the IoT zone is increasing day by day. Hence, an IoT setup
should be capable of handling the massive expansion. The data generated as an outcome is
enormous, and it should be handled appropriately.

4. Dynamic and Self-Adapting (Complexity)

IoT devices should dynamically adapt themselves to changing contexts and scenarios. Assume a
camera meant for surveillance. It should be adaptable to work in different conditions and different
light situations (morning, afternoon, and night).

5. Architecture
IoT Architecture cannot be homogeneous in nature. It should be hybrid, supporting different
manufacturers ‘ products to function in the IoT network. IoT is not owned by anyone engineering
branch. IoT is a reality when multiple domains come together.
6. Safety
There is a danger of the sensitive personal details of the users getting compromised when all his/her
devices are connected to the internet. This can cause a loss to the user. Hence, data security is the
major challenge. Besides, the equipment involved is huge. IoT networks may also be at risk.
Therefore, equipment safety is also critical.

For more, refer to Challenges to IoT.

7. Self Configuring
This is one of the most important characteristics of IoT. IoT devices are able to upgrade their
software in accordance with requirements with a minimum of user participation. Additionally, they
can set up the network, allowing for the addition of new devices to an already-existing network.

8. Interoperability
IoT devices use standardized protocols and technologies to ensure they can communicate with
each other and other systems. Interoperability is one of the key characteristics of the Internet of
Things (IoT). It refers to the ability of different IoT devices and systems to communicate and
exchange data with each other, regardless of the underlying technology or manufacturer.

Physical device of IoT

The physical design of an IoT system is referred to as the Things/Devices and protocols that
are used to build an IoT system. All these things/Devices are called Node Devices and every
device has a unique identity that performs remote sensing, actuating, and monitoring work.
and the protocols that are used to establish communication between the Node devices and servers
over the internet.

Physical Design of IoT

Things/Devices
Things/Devices are used to build a connection, process data, provide interfaces, provide storage,
and provide graphics interfaces in an IoT system. All these generate data in a form that can be
analyzed by an analytical system and program to perform operations and used to improve the
system.

for example temperature sensor that is used to analyze the temperature generates the data from a
location and is then determined by algorithms.
devices in IoT(Internet of things)

Connectivity

Devices like USB hosts and ETHERNET are used for connectivity between the devices and the
server.

Processor

A processor like a CPU and other units are used to process the data. these data are further used to
improve the decision quality of an IoT system.

Audio/Video Interfaces

An interface like HDMI and RCA devices is used to record audio and videos in a system.

Input/Output interface

To give input and output signals to sensors, and actuators we use things like UART, SPI, CAN,
etc.

Storage Interfaces

Things like SD, MMC, and SDIO are used to store the data generated from an IoT device
IoT Protocol

Before we dive into common IoT protocols, let's define the term "protocol" at a high level.

Protocols are a set of rules for transmitting data between electronic devices according to a
preset agreement regarding information structure and how each side will send and receive
data. Correspondingly, IoT protocols are standards that enable the exchange and
transmission of data between the Internet and devices at the edge.

IoT protocols can be divided into two categories: IoT network protocols and IoT data protocols.
Data protocols mainly focus on information exchange, while network protocols provide methods
of connecting IoT edge devices with other edge devices or the Internet. Each category contains a
number of protocols that each have their own unique features. We'll take a look at those next.

List of Common IoT Protocols

IoT Network Protocols

• Wi-Fi
• LTE CAT 1
• LTE CAT M1
• NB-IoT
• Bluetooth
• ZigBee
• LoRaWAN

IoT Data Protocols

• AMQP
• MQTT
• HTTP
• CoAP
• DDS
• LwM2M

Data Protocols

Data protocols are responsible for the application and presentation layers of IoT
technology. These standards and protocols are responsible for connecting low-power IoT
devices. They provide communication with hardware on the user-side without the need for an
Internet connection.

IoT data protocols typically achieve connectivity via a wired or cellular network. The most
commonly used data protocols are:
 • Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP)
• Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT)
• Data Distribution Service (DDS)
• Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP

Network protocols are used for connecting IoT devices over a network. Typically, these
protocols and standards are used over the Internet. It is likely that you are already familiar with
some network protocols. The most popular IoT network protocols are:

• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• Z-Wave
• ZigBee

Logical design of IoT

1. IoT Functional Blocks

2. IoT Communication Models
3. IoT Communication APIs

IoT functional blocks

IoT systems are composed of a number of building blocks, including sensors/actuators,

connectivity, security, services, etc. The functional blocks are responsible for sensing, verification,
actuation, management, and communication.

These functional blocks are made up of devices that handle interactions between a web server and
the client, enable controls and monitoring functions, manage data transfer, secure the IoT system
through authentication and various purposes, and offer an interface for monitoring and managing
various concepts. Let’s gather more information about the IoT Functional Blocks.

Sensor/Actuator block

The sensor/actuator block serves as the data entry point in an IoT system. Sensors collect data from
their surroundings, whereas actuators drive physical processes. Sensors gather data on
temperature, humidity, light, motion, and other variables, whereas actuators turn on lights, open
doors, and control machines. These gadgets work together to collect data and operate in the
physical world.

Connectivity Block

Once the sensor/actuator block has collected data, it must be sent to the remainder of the system.
This is when the connection block enters the picture. The connectivity block is in charge of creating
and managing communication channels amongst IoT system devices. This can be accomplished
with the use of several technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and cellular networks.

Data Processing Block

The obtained data is examined and processed in the data processing block. This block is in charge
of filtering out noise and irrelevant data, converting the data into an easily studied format, and
recognizing patterns and anomalies in the data. This block can also execute real-time analysis,
enabling speedy data-driven decisions.

Application Block

The application block is the component of the IoT system that gives value to the end user. This
block is in charge of utilizing the processed data to provide a specified function or service. An
application block, for example, could be used to provide insights into energy usage in a building
or to adjust the temperature in a greenhouse.

Security Block

The security block is in charge of assuring the IoT system's security and protection against illegal
access. This block is in charge of authentication and authorization, as well as data encryption
during transmission and storage. It also handles intrusion detection and response, assisting in the
prevention and mitigation of threats.

Management Block

The management block is in charge of overseeing the overall operation of the IoT system. This
block is capable of handling device configuration, firmware updates, and system monitoring. It
can also give analytics and reporting, allowing system administrators to understand how the system
is operating and find areas for improvement
These advantages include −

Scalability

IoT Scalability is built into Functional Blocks, allowing enterprises to add new devices and
services to their IoT system as needed. The capacity to scale assures that an IoT system can grow
and react to changing business needs and future technology.

Interoperability

IoT Functional Blocks is a standardized architecture for developing IoT solutions. This
standardization means that devices and services from various suppliers may function seamlessly
together, enhancing interoperability and lowering integration costs.

Modularity

Because IoT Functional Blocks are modular, they may be swapped, modified, or added as needed.
Because of this versatility, enterprises can select the optimal components for their IoT system and
easily swap out components as needed.

Flexibility

IoT Functional Blocks offer a variety of deployment choices. Depending on their needs, businesses
can implement an IoT system on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid approach.

IoT Communication blocks

IoT devices are found everywhere and will enable circulatory intelligence in the future. For
operational perception, it is important and useful to understand how various IoT devices
communicate with each other. Communication models used in IoT have great value. The IoTs
allow people and things to be connected any time, any space, with anything and anyone, using
any network and any service.

Types of Communication Model :

1. Request & Response Model –

This model follows a client-server architecture.
 • The client, when required, requests the information from the server. This request is
usually in the encoded format.
• This model is stateless since the data between the requests is not retained and each
request is independently handled.
• The server Categories the request, and fetches the data from the database and its resource
representation. This data is converted to response and is transferred in an encoded
format to the client. The client, in turn, receives the response.
• On the other hand — In Request-Response communication model client sends a request
to the server and the server responds to the request. When the server receives the
request it decides how to respond, fetches the data retrieves resources, and prepares the
response, and sends it to the client.

2. Publisher-Subscriber Model –
This model comprises three entities: Publishers, Brokers, and Consumers.

• Publishers are the source of data. It sends the data to the topic which are managed by the
broker. They are not aware of consumers.
• Consumers subscribe to the topics which are managed by the broker.
• Hence, Brokers responsibility is to accept data from publishers and send it to the
appropriate consumers. The broker only has the information regarding the consumer to
which a particular topic belongs to which the publisher is unaware of.
3. Push-Pull Model –
The push-pull model constitutes data publishers, data consumers, and data queues.

• Publishers and Consumers are not aware of each other.

• Publishers publish the message/data and push it into the queue. The consumers, present
on the other side, pull the data out of the queue. Thus, the queue acts as the buffer for
the message when the difference occurs in the rate of push or pull of data on the side of
a publisher and consumer.
• Queues help in decoupling the messaging between the producer and consumer. Queues
also act as a buffer which helps in situations where there is a mismatch between the
rate at which the producers push the data and consumers pull the data.
4. Exclusive Pair –

• Exclusive Pair is the bi-directional model, including full-duplex communication among

client and server. The connection is constant and remains open till the client sends a
request to close the connection.
• The Server has the record of all the connections which has been opened.
• This is a state-full connection model and the server is aware of all open connections.
• WebSocket based communication API is fully based on this model.

IoT Communication API

developers to create apps that interface with IoT devices over conventional web protocols
including HTTP, MQTT, CoAP, and others.

Internet of Things Communications APIs standardizes how IoT devices communicate with one
another and with other systems. They enable developers to design applications and services that
can access and operate IoT devices without worrying about underlying communication protocols
and interfaces.
So, let's go over some of the most crucial advantages of Communications APIs.

Benefits of Communication APIs in IoT

There are multiple benefits to adopting Internet of Things Communications APIs. One of the
primary benefits is that they give a standardized method of connecting with IoT devices, making
it simpler for developers to construct apps and services that work with many types of devices. This
can save developers a lot of time and effort because they don't have to establish specific
communication protocols for each device with which they want to interact.

Types of Communication APIs in IoT

There are numerous IoT communications APIs accessible, each with its own set of advantages and
disadvantages. Among the most popular APIs are:

• REST APIs
REST APIs are a popular choice for IoT communications because they offer a
straightforward and scalable method of exposing IoT device capabilities over the web.
REST APIs can be used to access and alter IoT data and devices, allowing developers to
create novel IoT−powered apps.
WebSocket
WebSocket is a protocol that provides for bidirectional, real−time communication between a
client and a server. WebSocket is frequently used in the context of IoT Communications APIs to
provide low−latency, real−time data streaming between IoT devices and cloud services.
CoAP
Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) is a protocol used in Communications APIs for
resource−constrained devices and networks. It is a simple protocol for exposing and
manipulating IoT device resources via the internet.

IoT enabled Technology

IoT(internet of things) enabling technologies are

1. Wireless Sensor Network

2. Cloud Computing
3. Big Data Analytics
4. Communications Protocols
 5. Embedded System

1. Wireless Sensor Network(WSN) :

A WSN comprises distributed devices with sensors which are used to monitor the environmental
and physical conditions. A wireless sensor network consists of end nodes, routers and
coordinators. End nodes have several sensors attached to them where the data is passed to a
coordinator with the help of routers. The coordinator also acts as the gateway that connects WSN
to the internet.
Example –

• Weather monitoring system

• Indoor air quality monitoring system

2. Cloud Computing :
It provides us the means by which we can access applications as utilities over the internet. Cloud
means something which is present in remote locations.
With Cloud computing, users can access any resources from anywhere like databases,
webservers, storage, any device, and any software over the internet.
Characteristics –

1. Broad network access

2. On demand self-services
3. IaaS (Infrastructure as a service)
Infrastructure as a service provides online services such as physical machines, virtual
machines, servers, networking, storage and data center space on a pay per use basis.
Major IaaS providers are Google Compute Engine, Amazon Web Services and Microsoft
Azure etc.
Ex : Web Hosting, Virtual Machine etc.
4. PaaS (Platform as a service)
Provides a cloud-based environment with a very thing required to support the complete
life cycle of building and delivering West web based (cloud) applications – without the
cost and complexity of buying and managing underlying hardware, software provisioning
and hosting.
Ex : App Cloud, Google app engine
5. SaaS (Software as a service)
It is a way of delivering applications over the internet as a service. Instead of installing
and maintaining software, you simply access it via the internet, freeing yourself from
complex software and hardware management.

3. Big Data Analytics :

It refers to the method of studying massive volumes of data or big data. Collection of data whose
volume, velocity or variety is simply too massive and tough to store, control, process and
examine the data using traditional databases.
Big data is gathered from a variety of sources including social network videos, digital images,
sensors and sales transaction records.
Several steps involved in analyzing big data –
 1. Data cleaning
2. Munging
3. Processing
4. Visualization

4. Communications Protocols :
They are the backbone of IoT systems and enable network connectivity and linking to
applications. Communication protocols allow devices to exchange data over the network.
Multiple protocols often describe different aspects of a single communication. A group of
protocols designed to work together is known as a protocol suite; when implemented in software
they are a protocol stack.
They are used in

1. Data encoding
2. Addressing schemes

5. Embedded Systems :
It is a combination of hardware and software used to perform special tasks.
It includes microcontroller and microprocessor memory, networking units (Ethernet Wi-Fi
adapters), input output units (display keyword etc. ) and storage devices (flash memory).
It collects the data and sends it to the internet.
Embedded systems used in
Examples –

1. Digital camera
2. DVD player, music player