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Diploma in Introduction to
Technology

Internet of
Things (IoT)

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Contents
3 Lesson outcomes

Overview of IoT

5 IoT architecture

6 IoT applications

7 References

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Lesson outcomes
In this lesson we will explore the pervasive nature of interrelated
computing devices to illustrate the architecture of how smart devices
communicate. You will learn all about the Internet of Things also known
as IoT which includes, how interconnected devices have evolved from
sensors, to automation as well as big data in IoT. Then we move onto
IoT architectures, including gathering data, processing data, storing
data from IoT devices and application layers. Lastly, we delve into IoT in
agriculture and healthcare.

Overview of IoT
What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

The Internet of Things comprises many devices,

Several factors are currently driving IoT A pressure sensor detects changes in gases and liquids.
adoption across industries These sensors are commonly used for leak testing which
can be a result of decay.
• Advancement in network capabilities
• Availability of cloud computing Proximity sensors are used for non-contact detection
• Data analytical tools of objects in close proximity to the sensor. In retail,
• Reduced cost of computing devices a proximity sensor can detect the motion between a
customer and a product in which he or she is interested.
This approach can be used to recommend products to
customers based on their interests.

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Level sensors are excellent for determining the level of substances including liquids, powders and
granular materials. Waste management systems often use level sensors in order to detect the level of
waste in a garbage can or dumpster and sometimes even lakes.

Accelerometers are ideal for detecting an object’s acceleration i.e. the rate of change of the object’s
velocity with respect to time. These sensors can be used for fleet management purposes.

Automation

With IoT information is transferred between devices so that processes can be automated, without the need
for human intervention. The ability to reduce human intervention in any process enables organisations to
reduce inaccurate information and improves system up time.

IoT and Big Data

Big Data Analytics enables the move from IoT to real-time control and decision-making processes. Large
amounts of data that is retrieved from sensors and other devices can be processed and analysed.

NOTES

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IoT architecture

Gathering data

Data is gathered from various sensors and devices, yet requires further processing.

Processing data

Because big data retrieved from various devices are heterogeneous in nature, it must be processed before it is
successfully stored. Due to the heterogeneous nature of data retrieved using IoT systems, processing the data for
uniformity is imperative to ensure that it is compatible with an organisation’s system.

Storing data from IoT devices

Once data has been processed, it is loaded into a data warehouse which in turn becomes the source for
organisational data analytics. Data warehouses and data marts are commonly used to store immense amounts of
data sets that can later be queried for analytical purposes.

Application layer

In the application layer, organisations are able to formulate organisational strategies based on data-driven decisions
which are supported by data analytics and business intelligence. The application layer serves as the front-end of
the IoT architecture which users, such as executives, interact with to build analytical reports in the form of graphs,
infographics and dashboards.

IoT at a glance

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IoT applications
Smart agriculture

Sensors are imperative in smart agriculture. These sensors can gather large amounts of environmental
data that is served to the application layer. This promotes better management of agricultural processes.
The use of IoT in agriculture often adopts temperature, humidity and level sensors to better manage crop
management and improves the harvesting process. The use of trending technologies also includes 360
cameras, drones and immersive technologies to perform remote tasks.

Healthcare

A combination of IoT and big data analytics improves the healthcare quality of patients and ensures their
safety. Doctors and other medical staff are able to track the data of respirators to ensure patient safety. To
add to this, IoT allows medical practitioners to explore patient medical records.
(Marjani et al., 2017)

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References
• BusinessTech (2020) Smartphone market share: Samsung vs Apple vs Huawei. Available at: https://businesstech.
co.za/news/mobile/378723/smartphone-market-share-samsung-vs-apple-vs-huawei-2/.
• Chesney, T., Stair, R. M. and Reynolds, G. W. (2017) Principles of Business Information Systems. Cengage Learning.
Available at: https://books.google.co.za/books?id=gow8swEACAAJ.
• Hankin, A. (2019) Three Companies the iPhone Killed. Available at: https://www.investopedia.com/news/three-
companies-iphone-killed/.
• hostingtribunal.com (2020) Mobile and Desktop Operating Systems Market Share. Available at: https://
hostingtribunal.com/blog/operating-systems-market-share/#gref.
• Schneider, G. (2013) Electronic Commerce, 10th Edition. Cengage
• Tigermobiles.com (no date) Evolution of the Mobile Phone - History and Timeline - TigerMobiles.com. Available at:
https://www.tigermobiles.com/evolution/#eighthPhone.
• www.transparencymarketresearch.com (no date) Smartphone OS Market - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast |
2025. Available at: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/smartphone-os-market.html.

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