Home > Blog > Internet of Things (IoT) | What is IoT and How it Works

Internet of Things (IoT) | What is IoT and How it Works

Internet of Things (IoT) | What is IoT and How it Works

By Upskill Campus
Published Date:   10th October, 2023 Uploaded By:    Shriyansh Tiwari
Table of Contents [show]


Introduction

Businesses are employing the Internet across a range of industries to run more effectively. The Internet of Things can provide better customer service, enhance decision-making, and boost the value of the company. Moreover, you can share data over a network using this technology without human-to-human or human-to-computer exchanges. This blog is all about IoT, it's working and examples.


Internet of Things Definition


It is a group of technologies that uses sensors and actuators to inform us about the status of common objects. These objects can be tools, automobiles, and even living things. Hence, we can communicate with them through connectivity with cloud systems. So, a network of objects exchanging data without the help of a human forms the Internet of Things IoT. It is not limited to computers and devices. But, anything with a sensor and a unique identifier (UID) lies under this category. Thus, its main goal is the creation of self-reporting gadgets that can interact with users and one another in real-time.


IoT Architecture


The internet of things architecture has four main layers:
 

  1. Sensing Layer

Data collection from various sources occurs in the sensing layer, which is the initial layer. This layer contains sensors and actuators that are placed in the surrounding environment. Moreover, these devices connect to the network layer via wired or wireless communication techniques.
 

  1. Network Layer

The network layer is in charge of providing connectivity and communication among the system components. It covers technologies and protocols that let IoT devices connect. Hence, they can communicate with one another and with the rest of the internet. WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks are a few examples of these network technologies. The network layer in internet of things architecture may also comprise routers and gateways. Thus, it serves as a middleman between devices and the global internet. It may also include security tools like encryption and authentication to guard against illegal access.
 

  1. Data processing Layer 

The software and hardware components of the data processing layer gather, examine, and interpret data from devices. This layer collects raw data from the devices, processes it, and makes it accessible for further study or action. There are many technologies and tools for the data processing layer. For example, Data management systems, analytics platforms, and ML algorithms. These technologies help to gain valuable insights from the data and base judgments upon them.
 

  1. Application Layer 

The topmost layer, the application layer communicates directly with end users. It is in charge of giving users features and user-friendly interfaces. So, this layer lets you access and manage Internet of Things devices. This layer consists of several software and programs like web portals and smartphone apps. These user interfaces are made to link with the underlying IoT infrastructure. The application layer also has analytics and processing capabilities. Therefore, it enables data analysis and insight transformation. This can include advanced analytics tools, ML algorithms, and data visualisation software.


IoT Applications


The applications lie in 3 categories such as:
 

  1. IIoT: Industrial Internet of Things

It is the network of connected industrial devices that includes tools for energy management and manufacturing equipment. 
 

  1. Commercial IoT

Commercial IoT technology refers to devices and infrastructure used outside of the home. For instance, businesses and healthcare institutions use it to manage consumers. 
 

  1. Consumer IoT

It involves standalone and wearable gadgets with internet access. The term "smart devices" is a common way to describe these gadgets.


IoT Based Projects
 

  1. Home Automation

Smart home automation is one of the most popular and accessible internet of things projects. It helps to control and monitor a range of home appliances. Thus, you may efficiently automate several processes using sensors, actuators, and a central hub. This also includes setting the thermostat, adjusting the lights, and using household equipment.
 

  1. Smart Parking

Parking spaces may be hard to get in heavily crowded urban regions. A smart parking system may resolve this issue by giving information on parking availability. The sensors in parking places can detect the presence of vehicles. It then transmits the data to a centralised server. Thus, the users can identify open parking places through a smartphone app.
 

  1. Waste Management System

Maintaining clean and sustainable landscapes depends on effective waste management. But, we can improve the processes for garbage disposal and collection by developing a smart waste management system. Moreover, one can put IoT sensors in garbage cans to track their capacity. These sensors can locate garbage and transmit that information to a centralised server.
 

  1. Smart Healthcare Monitoring

The Internet of Things allows for remote monitoring and personalised patient treatment. Additionally, it can assist the healthcare sector by developing a smart healthcare monitoring system. These systems can boost patient well-being and enhance healthcare outcomes.


Why Use an IoT Platform?


You may be at any stage on your journey to create smart products. But, a platform is essential for creating an IoT ecosystem. This vast ecosystem connects various digital and physical landscapes. Hence, it uses a network of hardware and software applications. But, it is hard for a company to have in-house knowledge in every area. Hence, they are unable to provide a full set of IoT capabilities. Therefore, many businesses see value in buying a platform to offer a ready-made set of essential capabilities. With the help of an effective platform, you can quickly connect and manage current assets. Moreover, you can also develop and sustain new, unique services. Moreover, it speeds the start of your projects and removes the technical complexity. Hence, you can focus on actual business results. 


Conclusion


Smarter living and work are now possible by the Internet of Things. IoT is also crucial to business in addition to providing intelligent appliances to automate households. It provides businesses with a real-time view of how their systems operate. Moreover, you get insights on everything from machine performance to supply chain and logistics operations. Interested in IoT projects? We have discussed some useful projects as well in this blog. 


Frequently Asked Questions


Q.Is Alexa an IoT?

Ans.Yes, Alexa is an IoT-based digital personal assistant.


Q.How IoT is used in daily life?

Ans.Some of the most common daily uses of IoT include Smart home devices. Other popular uses are personal medical devices, smart wearables, and Autonomous vehicles.

 

About the Author

Upskill Campus

UpskillCampus provides career assistance facilities not only with their courses but with their applications from Salary builder to Career assistance, they also help School students with what an individual needs to opt for a better career.

Recommended for you

Leave a comment