Module 1: Introduction to IoT Architecture

1.1 Fundamentals of IoT

Introduction to IoT:

● Defining IoT: The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical

objects—devices, vehicles, appliances—embedded with sensors, software, and other
technologies to connect and exchange data over the internet.
● Characteristics of IoT:
○ Connectivity: IoT devices are connected to the internet for data exchange.
○ Heterogeneity: IoT integrates different devices and networks.
○ Intelligence: Data collection, processing, and decision-making are built into IoT
systems.
○ Dynamic Nature: Devices interact and change states based on environment or
commands.
○ Scalability: IoT systems can easily scale to millions of devices.
● Conceptual Framework of IoT: The basic concept involves sensors, connectivity, data
processing, and user interfaces, forming an interconnected system for various
applications like healthcare, smart cities, and manufacturing.
● Physical Design of IoT: It includes actual hardware like sensors, actuators, and IoT
devices that collect data.
● Logical Design of IoT: Focuses on IoT protocols, network architecture, and software
layers to ensure proper data exchange.
● Functional Blocks of IoT: Include sensing, communication, data processing, security,
and application development.

1.2 Smart Object

● Definition: Smart objects are devices that can sense, act, and communicate with other
systems over the network.
● Characteristics:
○ Awareness: Smart objects collect and process information from their
surroundings.
○ Autonomy: These objects make decisions without human intervention.
○ Connectivity: They have the capability to communicate over networks.
● Trends: Integration with AI, enhanced sensing capabilities, and improved autonomy
through machine learning are current trends. Smart objects are used in home
automation, healthcare devices, and industrial automation.

1.3 Architecture of IoT

● IoT World Forum (IoTWF) Standardized Architecture:

○ Layer 1-7: IoTWF defines a 7-layer architecture:
 1. Physical Devices & Controllers (Layer 1): Sensors, devices, and
actuators.
2. Connectivity (Layer 2): Network protocols and data transportation.
3. Edge Computing (Layer 3): Data is processed at the network edge,
close to the device.
4. Data Accumulation (Layer 4): Data storage and aggregation.
5. Data Abstraction (Layer 5): Ensuring data uniformity for analysis.
6. Application (Layer 6): Interfaces for users and applications.
7. Collaboration & Processes (Layer 7): Systems integration and business
processes.
● IT and OT Responsibilities in IoT Reference Model:
○ Information Technology (IT): Focuses on data management, security, and
application development.
○ Operational Technology (OT): Focuses on the physical operations of machines,
devices, and sensors.
● Additional IoT Reference Models: There are other models like the 3-layer IoT model,
which includes perception, network, and application layers.
● Simplified IoT Architecture: Generally includes three layers: perception, network, and
application.
○ Perception Layer: Includes sensors and devices to collect data.
○ Network Layer: Facilitates data transmission through the internet.
○ Application Layer: Involves processing and using data for specific applications
like smart homes or connected vehicles.
● The Core IoT Functional Stack: Focuses on layers 1-3:
○ Layer 1: Physical Devices and Controllers (devices, sensors, and actuators).
○ Layer 2: Connectivity (communication networks and protocols).
○ Layer 3: Edge Computing (processing data locally near the device).

1.4 Analytics Versus Control Applications

● Analytics vs Control Applications:

○ Analytics Applications: Focus on data collection, analysis, and deriving
insights.
○ Control Applications: Focus on real-time responses and actions based on data
(e.g., turning off a machine automatically when malfunctioning).
● Data vs Network Analytics:
○ Data Analytics: Focuses on analyzing data collected from IoT devices to extract
patterns and insights.
○ Network Analytics: Focuses on analyzing the data flow and network
performance (e.g., detecting bottlenecks or network failures).
● Data Analytics vs Business Benefits: Data analytics helps improve decision-making,
efficiency, and automation, leading to enhanced business outcomes like cost savings
and improved productivity.
 ● Smart Services: These services use IoT analytics to provide predictive and
personalized outcomes, such as predictive maintenance or smart healthcare solutions.

1.5 IoT Data Management and Compute Stack

● Fog Computing: A decentralized computing infrastructure that extends cloud computing

to the edge of the network. It provides data storage, computing, and services closer to
the source of data.
● Edge Computing: Refers to processing data at the edge of the network, near the IoT
devices, instead of relying on a centralized cloud. This reduces latency and bandwidth
usage.
● Hierarchy of Edge, Fog, and Cloud:
○ Edge: Data processed closest to the devices (e.g., sensors).
○ Fog: Intermediate layer that acts as a bridge between the cloud and the edge,
offering more processing and storage capabilities.
○ Cloud: Centralized data centers used for deep analytics and large-scale data
storage.

This framework ensures real-time processing, improved latency, and efficient data management
across various IoT applications.