Unit III

Basics of IoT Networking, IoT Components, Functional components of IoT, IoT service-oriented
architecture, IoT challenges, 6LowPAN, IEEE 802.15.4, ZigBee and its types, RFID
Features, RFID working principle and applications, NFC (Near Field communication),
Bluetooth, Wireless Sensor Networks and Their Applications

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Explain the Working Principle of RFID and its application areas.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a form of wireless communication that

incorporates the use of electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency
portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to uniquely identify an object or person.

It uses radio frequency to search, identify, track, and communicate with items and
people.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that uses electromagnetic fields

to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects.

These tags contain electronically stored information that can be read from several
meters away, without requiring direct line-of-sight. RFID is commonly used in inventory
management, asset tracking, access control, and supply chain logistics due to its
efficiency and accuracy in tracking and managing items.

Working Principle of RFID

Generally, RFID uses radio waves to perform AIDC function. AIDC stands for Automatic
Identification and Data Capture technology which performs object identification and
collection and mapping of the data.

An antenna is an device which converts power into radio waves which are used for
communication between reader and tag. RFID readers retrieve the information from
RFID tag which detects the tag and reads or writes the data into the tag.
It may include one processor, package, storage and transmitter and receiver unit.

Application of RFID
RFID technology is versatile and can be applied in numerous fields:

1. Inventory Management: RFID helps in tracking inventory in real-time, reducing

errors, and increasing efficiency.
2. Asset Tracking: Companies can monitor their assets’ location and status,
preventing loss and optimizing utilization.
3. Supply Chain Management: Enhances visibility and accuracy in tracking
products throughout the supply chain.
4. Access Control: Used in security systems for granting or restricting access to
buildings, rooms, or devices.
5. Retail: Enables efficient stock management, theft prevention, and improved
customer experience through smart shelves and automated checkouts.
6. Healthcare: Used for patient tracking, equipment management, and ensuring the
authenticity of medications.

What is a relation between WSN and IoT ? Explain with the help of an example.

Relationship Between WSN (Wireless Sensor Network) and IoT (Internet of

Things)
WSN (Wireless Sensor Network) and IoT (Internet of Things) are closely connected
technologies that complement each other. WSN is a crucial component of IoT systems,
providing the data collection capabilities that power IoT applications.

Relationship Overview

● WSN: A network of sensor nodes that collect and transmit data. These sensors
measure parameters like temperature, humidity, pressure, etc.

● IoT: A broader system that connects physical devices (including WSN) to the
internet for data processing, analysis, and decision-making.

In simple terms:
➡️WSN collects data → IoT processes and utilizes the data for insights or
automation.

Example: Smart Agriculture System

In a smart irrigation system, WSN and IoT work together to improve crop health and
conserve water.

1. WSN Role:

○ Sensors are deployed in the field to measure soil moisture, temperature,

and humidity.

○ These sensors transmit data wirelessly to a central gateway.

2. IoT Role:

○ The gateway sends this data to an IoT platform via the internet.

○ Using this data, the IoT system analyzes soil conditions and triggers
irrigation only when needed.

○ Farmers can monitor and control the system remotely using a mobile app.

Key Differences:
Aspect WSN IoT
Focus Data collection via sensors Data processing, analysis, and
automation

Connectivit Uses wireless protocols like Uses cloud platforms and internet
y Zigbee, LoRa, etc. connectivity

Purpose Monitors environmental Provides actionable insights and

parameters remote control

Give an overview of Zigbee network. What are its applications?

ZIGBEE

Zigbee is a wireless communication protocol based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. It is

designed for low-power, low-data-rate, and short-range communication, making it
ideal for IoT and WSN applications.

ZigBee is a Personal Area Network task group with low rate task group 4. It is a
technology of home networking. ZigBee is a technological standard created for
controlling and sensing the network.

Types of ZigBee Devices:

1. Zigbee Coordinator Device: It communicates with routers. This device is used for
connecting devices.
2. Zigbee Router: It is used for passing the data between devices.
3. Zigbee End Device: It is the device that is going to be controlled.
General Characteristics of Zigbee Standard:
● Low Power Consumption
● Low Data Rate (20- 250 kbps)
● Short-Range (75-100 meters)
● Network Join Time (~ 30 msec)
● Support Small and Large Networks (up to 65000 devices (Theory); 240 devices
(Practically))
● Low Cost of Products and Cheap Implementation (Open Source Protocol)
● Extremely low-duty cycle.
● 3 frequency bands with 27 channels.

Zigbee Applications:
● Home Automation
● Medical Data Collection
● Industrial Control Systems
● meter reading system
● light control system
● Commercial
● Government Markets Worldwide
● Home Networking
Discuss the concept of Near Field Communication (NFC).Define Bluetooth technology?

Near Field Communication (NFC)

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology that enables

communication between two electronic devices over a distance of 4 centimeters (1.6
inches) or less.

What is NFC?
NFC stands for Near Field Communication. It enables short-range communication
between compatible devices. At least one transmitting device and another receiving
device are needed to transmit the signal. Many devices can use the NFC standard and
are considered either passive or active.

Types of NFC
Passive NFC devices: These near-field communication devices include tags and other
small transmitters that can send information to other NFC devices without the need for a
power source of their own. These devices don’t really process any information sent from
other sources, and can not connect to other passive components. These often take the
form of interactive signs on walls or advertisements.

Active NFC devices: These near-field communication devices can do both things i.e.
send and receive data. They can communicate with each other as well as with passive
devices. Smartphones are the best example of active NFC devices. Card readers in
public transport and touch payment terminals are also good examples of the
technology.
Applications of NFC
1. Data Transfer: You can share small amounts of data (such as contacts, URLs, or
files) between NFC-enabled devices.
2. Access Control: NFC tags can grant access to buildings, public transport, or
events.
3. Smart Pairing: NFC simplifies pairing Bluetooth devices by tapping them
together.
4. Smart Posters and Tags: NFC tags embedded in posters, products, or
advertisements can provide additional information when tapped.

Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that lets devices like phones, tablets, and
headphones connect to each other and share information without needing cables.
Bluetooth simply follows the principle of transmitting and receiving data using radio
waves.

It can be paired with the other device which has also Bluetooth but it should be within
the estimated communication range to connect. When two devices start to share data,
they form a network called piconet which can further accommodate more than five
devices.

Key Features of Bluetooth

● The transmission capacity of Bluetooth is 720 kbps.
● Bluetooth is a wireless technology.
● Bluetooth is a Low-cost and short-distance radio communications standard.
● Bluetooth is robust and flexible.
● The basic architecture unit of Bluetooth is a piconet.

IEEE 802.15.4

IEEE 802.15.4 is a wireless networking technology that provides the technical

specifications for low-rate wireless personal area networks (LR-WPANs), allowing
networked devices to communicate with one another in a variety of industrial and
commercial settings, including healthcare, environmental monitoring, smart energy,
home automation, and more.

Advantages of IEEE 802.15.4:

IEEE 802.15.4 has the following advantages:

● cheap cost
● long battery life,
● Quick installation
● simple
● extensible protocol stack

Disadvantages of IEEE 802.15.4:

IEEE 802.15.4’s drawbacks include:

● IEEE 802.15.4 causes interference and multipath fading.

● doesn’t employ a frequency-hopping approach.
● unbounded latency
● interference susceptibility
Applications of IEEE 802.15.4:
IEEE 802.15.4 Applications:

● Wireless sensor networks in the industry

● Building and home automation
● Remote controllers and interacting toys
● Automotive networks