Understanding IoT: Components, Applications, and Future
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What is IoT?
Before 2010, people connected to the internet in what was called the 'Internet of People,' connecting people to apps and to other people.
In IoT 2020, people are connected to the internet, things are connected to the internet, and things are connected to things, connecting things to apps, to other things, and things to people.
IoT is about reusing the Internet Infrastructure and Technologies to connect things.
IoT is the combination of existing technologies + new opportunities + marketing and business.
Embedded Systems
Embedded systems are a combination of hardware and software that complete a specific task. Generally, they are parts of a machine and provide real-time operations with low power consumption, small size, safety, reliability, and low manufacturing cost.
They use either microcontrollers or microprocessors.
Microcontrollers vs. Microprocessors
| Microcontroller | Microprocessor |
|---|---|
| Can be considered a small computer. | Considered a component of another system. |
| Has RAM/ROM and I/O. | Needs to be connected to external components. |
| Used for simple tasks. | Used for complex tasks. |
| Real-time tasks. | Not used in real-time systems. |
| Has bit manipulation instructions. | Few bit manipulation structures. |
| Consumes less power. | High power consumption. |
| Cost-efficient. | Less cost-efficient. |
What is M2M? (Machine to Machine)
Wired or wireless network communication between two or more machines/devices without human supervision.
Embedded systems; A device that is emitting data; A device that is receiving instructions <-> data <-> LAN; WAN; Gateways; <-> data <-> A device collects data to take decisions; A computer that runs business logic; Controls, orchestrates the work of other devices.
Embedded systems + Communications + Software
Sensors and Actuators
Sensors
- Sensors convert a physical stimulus into a measurable form of that stimulus.
- In general, they turn an analog value into a digital one.
- Sensors are main sources of data in M2M applications.
- Many different types of sensors (pressure, temperature, humidity).
Actuators
- Have high performance and can handle complex tasks.
- Convert controller command signal into a physical parameter.
- Many different types of actuators (thermal, magnetic, hydraulic).
- A thermostat is a kind of actuator.
Why Now?
Technical Factors
IPv6, Bandwidth, New sensors at lower prices, Microcontrollers powerful and less expensive, New communication technologies: Smart phones, RFID...
Economical & Contextual Factors
Push M2M in the lifestyle: Fitness, communication; new business opportunities, costs reductions needs, sustainability requirements: Smart cities...
Cloud Computing's Role
Data Storage Capabilities
Data Processing and Process Execution Capabilities
IoT Defined
IoT = Embedded systems + M2M over the internet.