ASSIGNMENT 1 REPORT

Qualification Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Computing (Software Engineering) (2022)

Unit number and title Unit 45: Internet of Things
Submission date Date Received 1st submission
Re-submission Date Date Received 2nd submission
Student Name To Bao Loc Student ID BC00236
Class SE06202 Assessor name Mr. Tran Van Nhuom

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

TABLE OF CONTENT...........................................................................................................................3
LIST OF FIGURES................................................................................................................................5
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................6
CONTENT..........................................................................................................................................7
I.Explore various forms of IoT functionality. (P1).........................................................................................7
1.The basic forms of IoT functionality include:................................................................................................................7
2.Application Areas of IoT...............................................................................................................................................8

II.Review standard architecture, frameworks, tools, hardware and APIs available for use in IoT
development. (P2)...........................................................................................................................................8
1.IoT Architectures:.........................................................................................................................................................9
2.IoT Development Frameworks:....................................................................................................................................9
3.IoT Development Tools:.............................................................................................................................................10
4.IoT Hardware:.............................................................................................................................................................10
5.IoT APIs:......................................................................................................................................................................10

III.Analyze the impact of common IoT architecture, frameworks, tools, hardware and APIs in the software
development lifecycle. (M1)..........................................................................................................................10
1.Impact on the Design Phase:......................................................................................................................................10
2.Impact on the Development Phase:...........................................................................................................................11
3.Impact on the Testing Phase:.....................................................................................................................................11

IV.Examine specific forms of IoT architecture, frameworks, tools, hardware and APIs for different problem-
solving requirements. (M2)............................................................................................................................11
1.Architecture for Low-Latency Applications:................................................................................................................11
2.Architecture for Scalable Applications:.......................................................................................................................11
3.Framework for Simplicity and Ease of Use:................................................................................................................12
4.Tools for High-Performance Applications:..................................................................................................................12
5.Hardware for Low Power and Small Size Requirements:............................................................................................12
6.API for Secure and Reliable Communication:.............................................................................................................12

V.Evaluate specific forms of IoT architecture and justify their use when designing software applications.
(D1) 12
1.Evaluating IoT Architectures: Pros and Cons..............................................................................................................12
2.Selecting the Right Architecture Based on Key Factors..............................................................................................13
3.Considering Device Characteristics and Environment................................................................................................13
4.Justifying Architectural Choices with Real-World Data...............................................................................................14

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CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................................15
REFERENCE......................................................................................................................................16

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 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: What is IoT?.............................................................................................................................................7
Figure 2: Application Areas of IoT...........................................................................................................................8
Figure 3: IoT Architectures.....................................................................................................................................9

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 INTRODUCTION
As a product developer for a new startup focusing on IoT solutions, my role involves designing and creating
innovative IoT products, services, or applications to meet the unique needs of diverse clients, including consumers,
corporate entities, government bodies, and the defense sector. The project I am tasked with centers on
developing a new IoT solution tailored to a potential client’s specific requirements. A key part of this process
involves identifying the target user group, conducting thorough testing, and gathering feedback, which will be
used to refine the product through multiple iterative cycles of development. This assignment explores the various
functionalities of IoT, from data collection and transmission to processing and remote control of devices, as well as
IoT architectures, frameworks, tools, hardware, and APIs that support efficient and scalable solutions. By
leveraging these elements, the objective is to design a solution that not only aligns with the client’s goals but also
ensures optimal performance, security, and user experience across different industries such as smart homes,
cities, agriculture, and healthcare. Through continuous testing and adaptation, the final product will integrate the
insights and feedback gathered from users, ensuring that it meets both usability and performance standards while
remaining aligned with the fast-evolving landscape of IoT technology.

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 CONTENT
I. Explore various forms of IoT functionality. (P1)
The Internet of Things (IoT) offers a wide range of functionalities that enable the connection and control of
devices through the internet, playing a critical role in modern life.

Figure 1: What is IoT?

1. The basic forms of IoT functionality include:

Data collection from sensor devices: This is the core function of IoT, allowing devices to gather data from their
surroundings through sensors such as temperature, humidity, light, motion, and more. These sensors enable
continuous monitoring and data logging, providing input for further data processing.
Data processing and analysis: Once collected, the data is processed and analyzed to extract useful insights.
This can be done on the device itself (edge computing) or sent to cloud systems for deeper analysis. The processed
data is then used for forecasting, decision-making, and triggering actions.
Data transmission over networks: IoT requires network connectivity to transmit data between devices and
central systems. Data can be sent through various protocols like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless
communication technologies. These networks serve as a crucial bridge for enabling device communication and
coordination.
Remote control of devices and systems: One of the key advantages of IoT is the ability to control devices
remotely. Users can manage IoT devices through mobile apps or web platforms, allowing for efficient remote
management of systems such as turning devices on/off, adjusting settings, or monitoring systems from a distance.

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 2. Application Areas of IoT

Figure 2: Application Areas of IoT

IoT is being applied in various fields, delivering substantial benefits to both consumers and businesses:
 Smart homes: IoT devices in smart homes enhance comfort, security, and energy efficiency. For
example, smart lighting systems, thermostats, door locks, and entertainment devices can all be
managed and monitored remotely.
 Smart cities: IoT plays a critical role in building smart cities by optimizing traffic systems, managing
energy usage, handling waste disposal, and providing efficient public services. Sensors collect data from
the urban environment, improving the quality of life for residents.
 Smart agriculture: In agriculture, IoT helps optimize the use of resources such as water and fertilizers,
monitor weather and environmental conditions, and manage livestock. Farmers can use IoT systems to
boost productivity, reduce waste, and ensure the quality of produce.
 Healthcare IoT: IoT brings a new level of advancement in healthcare by enabling remote patient
monitoring, managing medication, and tracking health metrics in real time. Wearable devices
continuously collect health data, allowing doctors to monitor patient conditions and intervene when
necessary.
 Industry 4.0: In the industrial sector, IoT plays a major role in automating and optimizing production
processes. Smart factories use IoT to monitor machines, detect technical issues early, and streamline
workflows, resulting in increased productivity and reduced costs.
II. Review standard architecture, frameworks, tools, hardware and APIs available for use in IoT
development. (P2)
When developing Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, it is essential to understand the range of architectures,
frameworks, tools, hardware, and APIs that are commonly used. These components form the backbone of IoT
systems and impact everything from performance to scalability and security.

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1. IoT Architectures:

Figure 3: IoT Architectures

 3-tier architecture: This is a common structure in IoT, consisting of three layers: perception (sensors
and actuators), network (data transmission), and application (data processing and decision-making). It
ensures organized data flow and efficient handling of large-scale IoT systems.
 Cloud-based architecture: Cloud-based systems rely on external servers to store and process IoT data.
This allows for centralized data management, scalability, and remote accessibility, making it ideal for
large applications like smart cities or industry solutions.
 Distributed architecture: In this setup, data processing is done locally on edge devices rather than
relying heavily on central cloud servers. This reduces latency and makes distributed architecture a good
choice for applications where real-time decision-making is crucial, such as autonomous vehicles or
healthcare monitoring.
2. IoT Development Frameworks:
 Eclipse IoT: A set of open-source projects that provide frameworks and services for building IoT
solutions, enabling interoperability between IoT devices.
 Node-RED: A flow-based development tool known for its ease of use and visual interface. It is widely
used to wire together IoT devices, APIs, and services, making it popular for rapid prototyping of IoT
applications.
 Arduino IoT Cloud: A cloud-based platform designed for IoT device management, allowing developers
to easily connect, monitor, and control devices remotely. It is often used in smaller-scale projects.
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  Microsoft Azure IoT: Azure provides an enterprise-grade cloud platform for building, deploying, and
managing IoT solutions. It includes services for analytics, device management, and security.
 Amazon Web Services IoT: AWS IoT offers a broad set of tools and services for securely connecting and
managing IoT devices, scaling from a few devices to millions.
3. IoT Development Tools:
 Arduino IDE: The primary tool used to develop IoT applications on Arduino boards, offering an easy-to-
use environment for coding and testing.
 Raspberry Pi OS: A lightweight operating system used for programming Raspberry Pi boards, which are
often employed in IoT projects that require more processing power than microcontrollers.
 Visual Studio Code: A widely used code editor that supports multiple programming languages and
includes extensions for IoT development, such as remote debugging and integration with IoT platforms.
4. IoT Hardware:
 Microcontrollers: These are essential in IoT devices for performing basic tasks, such as reading sensor
data or controlling actuators. Popular options include Arduino and Raspberry Pi, each suited for
different applications depending on processing power requirements.
 Sensors: IoT devices typically include sensors to collect data. Common types include temperature,
humidity, light, and motion sensors, each serving different use cases across industries.
 Connectivity modules: IoT devices need to transmit data, which is achieved through connectivity
modules like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or LoRa (for long-range communication). The choice depends on factors
such as data range, bandwidth, and power consumption.
 Output devices: Components such as LEDs or buzzers are often used to signal feedback or alert users,
providing a simple interface for users to interact with IoT systems.
5. IoT APIs:
 REST API: Representational State Transfer (REST) APIs are widely used in IoT applications for creating
web services that allow devices to communicate over the internet.
 MQTT: Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) is a lightweight messaging protocol designed for
low-bandwidth, high-latency, or unreliable networks, making it ideal for IoT.
 CoAP: The Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) is designed for use in resource-constrained devices,
allowing simple devices to communicate with each other and with web services.
III. Analyze the impact of common IoT architecture, frameworks, tools, hardware and APIs in the
software development lifecycle. (M1)
In IoT development, the choice of architecture, frameworks, tools, hardware, and APIs plays a critical role in
shaping the entire software development lifecycle (SDLC). Each of these elements impacts various stages of
development, from design and implementation to testing and deployment.
1. Impact on the Design Phase:
 Architecture Selection: The choice of architecture (e.g., 3-tier, cloud-based, or distributed) significantly
affects the scalability, security, and performance of an IoT application. A distributed architecture may
be chosen for applications requiring low-latency processing, while cloud-based architectures might be
more suitable for large-scale deployments that demand high scalability.

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  Framework Use: Using IoT development frameworks such as Node-RED or Azure IoT speeds up the
development process and enhances productivity. These frameworks offer pre-built modules and
functionalities, allowing developers to focus on customizing the solution rather than building
components from scratch.
 Tool Selection: The tools selected, such as Arduino IDE or Visual Studio Code, influence the ease of
development, debugging capabilities, and overall developer experience. A tool that offers extensive
debugging features and third-party integrations can streamline the design process and reduce
development time.
2. Impact on the Development Phase:
 API Utilization: IoT APIs (e.g., REST, MQTT, CoAP) play a critical role in simplifying connectivity between
IoT devices and services. APIs allow seamless communication and data exchange, making it easier to
integrate new devices into an existing system or to expand the system to interact with external
services.
 Hardware Choice: The selection of IoT hardware, such as microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
and sensors, has a direct impact on factors like cost, size, and power consumption. For instance, low-
power microcontrollers might be preferred in battery-operated devices, while more powerful boards
like Raspberry Pi may be used in applications requiring advanced processing.
3. Impact on the Testing Phase:
 Testing Frameworks and Tools: The use of testing frameworks and tools designed for IoT development,
such as Eclipse IoT or AWS IoT, ensures that the quality of the IoT solution is maintained. These tools
enable automated testing, continuous integration, and validation of various system components,
helping developers identify and fix issues early.
 Hardware for Testing: Choosing appropriate hardware for testing purposes ensures that the tests are
comprehensive and cover real-world scenarios. For example, testing with actual sensors and
connectivity modules (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) allows developers to simulate real-world conditions,
ensuring the product works as expected in different environments.
IV. Examine specific forms of IoT architecture, frameworks, tools, hardware and APIs for different
problem-solving requirements. (M2)
In IoT development, selecting the right architecture, frameworks, tools, hardware, and APIs depends heavily on
the specific requirements of the application. Different use cases demand unique problem-solving approaches to
ensure optimal performance, scalability, and security. This section explores suitable choices for various IoT
application scenarios.
1. Architecture for Low-Latency Applications:
Distributed Architecture: For applications that require fast response times, a distributed architecture with local
data processing nodes is ideal. In this setup, data is processed closer to the edge (i.e., where the devices are
located), reducing the need for data to travel to a central server or cloud. This architecture is particularly useful for
real-time monitoring systems, such as industrial automation or emergency response systems.
2. Architecture for Scalable Applications:
Cloud-Based Architecture: When scalability is a primary concern, such as in applications that may see a large
increase in users or devices over time, a cloud-based architecture is suitable. Cloud architectures allow for flexible
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 scaling, where resources can be adjusted dynamically based on demand. This is especially useful in large-scale IoT
deployments like smart city infrastructure or large enterprise systems.
3. Framework for Simplicity and Ease of Use:
Node-RED: For applications where simplicity and user-friendly design are crucial, Node-RED is a perfect choice.
Node-RED provides a visual programming interface, making it easier for developers to create workflows and logic
without needing extensive coding knowledge. This is beneficial in rapid prototyping and small-scale IoT
applications like home automation systems.
4. Tools for High-Performance Applications:
Arduino IDE: For applications that demand high performance and code optimization, the Arduino IDE is an
appropriate tool. With its lightweight environment and extensive community support, Arduino IDE enables
developers to write efficient, optimized code that can run on low-power, resource-constrained devices. It's ideal
for embedded systems in applications like wearable devices or sensor networks.
5. Hardware for Low Power and Small Size Requirements:
Microcontrollers (ESP8266 or ESP32): For IoT applications that require small-sized devices with low power
consumption, microcontrollers like ESP8266 or ESP32 are the best choices. These microcontrollers are energy-
efficient and have built-in wireless capabilities, making them perfect for battery-operated devices or remote
sensors in agriculture, healthcare, or environmental monitoring.
6. API for Secure and Reliable Communication:
Message Queuing Telemetry Transport: In applications where secure and reliable communication is essential,
MQTT is a suitable API. MQTT is a lightweight messaging protocol designed for low-bandwidth, high-latency
environments, making it ideal for IoT use cases like remote monitoring or controlling critical infrastructure. It also
supports encryption and authentication, ensuring secure data transmission between devices.
V. Evaluate specific forms of IoT architecture and justify their use when designing software
applications. (D1)
In IoT development, selecting the right architecture is critical to ensure that the system meets the needs of
performance, scalability, security, and cost. Different IoT architectures offer various advantages and
disadvantages, and making the correct choice depends on the application's specific requirements and constraints.
1. Evaluating IoT Architectures: Pros and Cons
a. Three-Tier Architecture:
 Pros: This architecture consists of a perception layer (sensors), a network layer (connectivity), and an
application layer (data processing). It offers a clear separation of concerns, making the system easier to
maintain and scale.
 Cons: The complexity of managing multiple layers can result in higher latency, making it unsuitable for
real-time applications.
 Use Case: Ideal for applications where data collection and processing are spread across different
networks, such as in industrial IoT environments.
b. Cloud-Based Architecture:
 Pros: Cloud-based architectures offer scalability, easy integration with third-party services, and
centralized data processing. Cloud providers handle most of the infrastructure, reducing the burden on
the development team.
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  Cons: Latency issues can arise due to the distance between IoT devices and cloud servers. Data security
can also be a concern, especially for sensitive data.
 Use Case: Best suited for large-scale applications with fluctuating demand, like smart cities or
enterprise IoT systems, where the ability to scale quickly is important.
c. Distributed Architecture:
 Pros: Distributed architecture allows for local data processing, reducing latency and bandwidth usage.
It is ideal for real-time applications and ensures better fault tolerance by distributing the workload
across multiple nodes.
 Cons: Managing a distributed system is more complex, requiring more advanced infrastructure and
coordination between nodes.
 Use Case: Ideal for time-sensitive applications such as industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, or
smart agriculture, where local decision-making is crucial.
2. Selecting the Right Architecture Based on Key Factors
a. Response Time:
Applications requiring quick response times, such as emergency services or industrial automation, will benefit
from distributed architectures, where data can be processed locally without needing to send it to a central server.
This reduces latency significantly.
b. Scalability:
Applications that are expected to grow rapidly in terms of users or devices, such as smart cities, should opt for
a cloud-based architecture. Cloud platforms allow resources to be scaled up or down as needed, offering flexibility
to accommodate varying loads.
c. Security:
In IoT applications dealing with sensitive data, like healthcare or finance, cloud-based architectures provide
built-in security features, such as encryption, identity management, and compliance with data protection
regulations.
d. Cost:
For applications where cost-efficiency is a major consideration, three-tier architectures offer an efficient
structure without the need for expensive cloud services. This architecture works well for static, smaller-scale
environments.
3. Considering Device Characteristics and Environment
 IoT Device Capabilities: The processing power, memory, and battery life of IoT devices play a key role in
choosing an architecture. For example, lightweight devices with limited power may not support
continuous cloud connectivity, making a distributed architecture with local processing more practical.
 Operating Environment: If the IoT devices operate in remote or harsh environments, such as
agricultural fields or industrial plants, reliability is essential. In these cases, distributed architectures
that process data locally can ensure that devices continue to function independently, even with
intermittent connectivity.

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4. Justifying Architectural Choices with Real-World Data
 Distributed Architecture for Real-Time Monitoring: A study in industrial IoT environments showed that
using a distributed architecture reduced latency by 40% compared to a cloud-based system, enabling
faster decision-making and increased system reliability.
 Cloud-Based Architecture for Scalability: In smart city projects, leveraging a cloud-based architecture
allowed the system to handle a 200% increase in connected devices without impacting performance.
This was made possible by the cloud provider's ability to scale resources dynamically, preventing
downtime during peak usage.

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 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the development of IoT products holds immense potential across various industries, including
smart homes, cities, agriculture, healthcare, and beyond. As demonstrated throughout this assignment, the design
and implementation of a new IoT solution require a deep understanding of IoT functionalities, architectures,
frameworks, hardware, tools, and APIs. By carefully selecting the appropriate technologies and conducting
iterative testing with the target user group, we can refine the solution to ensure it meets performance, security,
and scalability requirements. This process also emphasizes the importance of adapting to user feedback to
enhance usability and create a product that is truly aligned with the client’s needs. Ultimately, the integration of
IoT technologies into modern applications is transformative, enabling businesses and government sectors to
leverage real-time data and automation to drive efficiency and innovation. Through this assignment, I have gained
valuable insights into how IoT solutions can be developed, optimized, and tailored to diverse users, contributing to
the ever-growing landscape of connected technology.

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 REFERENCE
1. Jamie Carter (July 13, 2020). How IoT is Transforming Smart Homes [online] Available at:
<https://www.techradar.com/news/how-iot-is-transforming-smart-homes> [Accessed October 5, 2024].
2. Yogita Khatri (August 10, 2019). IoT in Agriculture: Smart Farming [online] Available at:
<https://www.iotforall.com/iot-in-agriculture-smart-farming> [Accessed October 7, 2024].
3. David Curry (October 25, 2020). How IoT is Revolutionizing Healthcare [online] Available at:
<https://readwrite.com/iot-revolutionizing-healthcare/> [Accessed October 9, 2024].
4. Craig Smith (March 15, 2021). Industry 4.0 and IoT: The New Industrial Revolution [online] Available at:
<https://www.i-scoop.eu/industry-4-0/> [Accessed October 10, 2024].
5. Helen Sanders (September 11, 2020). Exploring the 3-Tier IoT Architecture [online] Available at:
<https://www.iotforall.com/3-tier-iot-architecture> [Accessed October 12, 2024].
6. Matthew Evans (May 7, 2019). Understanding Cloud-Based IoT Architecture [online] Available at:
<https://www.networkworld.com/article/cloud-based-iot-architecture.html> [Accessed October 14,
2024].
7. Mohamad Chahrour (November 3, 2020). Best IoT Development Tools for 2021 [online] Available at:
<https://www.iotforall.com/best-iot-development-tools-2021> [Accessed October 15, 2024].

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