IoT

The term IoT, or Internet of Things, refers to the collective network of connected
devices and the technology that facilitates communication between devices and the
cloud, as well as between the devices themselves.

Roles of embedded system in IoT

Embedded systems are at the heart of the Internet of Things. They provide the
intelligence that enables devices to communicate with each other and with the cloud.
The role of embedded systems in the IoT can be summarized as follows:

 Sensor Integration:

Embedded systems are responsible for integrating sensors into devices. Sensors are
used to detect and measure physical properties such as temperature, pressure, and
humidity. These sensors generate data that is processed by the embedded system and
transmitted to other devices or the cloud.

 Communication:

Embedded systems are responsible for communication between devices. This

communication can be wireless or wired, and can use a variety of protocols such as
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee. Embedded systems also handle the routing of data
between devices.

 Data Processing:

Embedded systems are responsible for processing the data generated by sensors. This
processing can include filtering, normalization, and aggregation. The processed data
is then transmitted to other devices or the cloud.

 Security:

Embedded systems are responsible for the security of devices in the IoT. This
includes securing data transmission, securing access to devices, and protecting against
cyber attacks.

 Power Management:

Embedded systems are responsible for managing the power consumption of devices in
the IoT. This includes managing the power supply, optimizing power usage, and
managing battery life.
 Applications of Embedded Systems in IoT

Embedded systems in IoT are responsible for collecting, processing, and transmitting
data between various devices and systems, and they play a crucial role in the overall
functionality of IoT systems. Here are some of the applications of embedded systems
in IoT:

 Smart Homes: Embedded systems in IoT are used in smart home applications to
automate various functions such as lighting, temperature control, security, and
entertainment. These systems are designed to be energy-efficient and cost-effective,
and they can be controlled remotely using a smartphone or other internet-enabled
devices.
 Industrial Automation: In industrial settings, embedded systems in IoT are used to
monitor and control various machines and equipment. These systems enable real-time
monitoring of production processes, ensuring that they run smoothly and efficiently.
They can also detect and report any anomalies, reducing downtime and improving
productivity.
 Healthcare: Embedded systems in IoT are used in healthcare applications to monitor
vital signs, track medication schedules, and manage chronic conditions. These
systems can transmit data to healthcare providers in real-time, allowing for timely
intervention in case of emergencies.
 Agriculture: Embedded systems in IoT are used in precision agriculture to monitor
soil moisture, temperature, and other environmental factors that affect crop growth.
These systems enable farmers to optimize irrigation and fertilization, resulting in
higher yields and reduced water usage.
 Transportation: Embedded systems in IoT are used in transportation applications to
monitor vehicle performance, track routes, and manage logistics. These systems can
also be used to monitor traffic conditions and optimize routes, reducing travel time
and fuel consumption.

Embedded systems in IoT are essential for enabling various applications across
different industries. As IoT continues to evolve, embedded systems will play an even
 more critical role in creating smart and connected systems that can improve
efficiency, productivity, and quality of life.

IoT communication protocols

IoT communication protocols enable devices to communicate with each other and the
internet. When choosing an IoT communication protocol, you can consider factors
like:
 Power consumption: How much power the protocol uses
 Data rate: How fast the protocol can transmit data
 Range: How far the protocol can communicate
 Scalability: How many devices the protocol can support
 Security: How well the protocol protects data

Here are some common IoT communication protocols:

 MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport): A two-way communication
protocol that allows devices to send and receive data
 CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol): An IoT communication protocol
 HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): A widely adopted protocol that's often used
in IoT
 Zigbee: A protocol that's effective for IoT networks, with low power consumption
and strong security
 LoRaWAN: A wireless protocol that connects devices to the internet, with long range
and low power consumption
 Cellular: A protocol that provides high bandwidth and reliable communication, but is
more expensive and consumes more power than other options

MQTT
MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is a lightweight, publish-subscribe based
messaging protocol primarily used for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, designed to
efficiently exchange data between devices with limited resources, particularly in low-
bandwidth, high-latency network environments; it operates through a central broker
where devices "publish" messages to specific topics and other devices "subscribe" to
those topics to receive relevant data.
 Key Features of MQTT:
Publish/Subscribe Model:
The core principle of MQTT, where devices publish messages to specific topics, and
other devices subscribe to those topics to receive relevant data, decoupling senders
and receivers.
Lightweight:
Designed for resource-constrained devices with low processing power and memory,
making it suitable for small IoT sensors and actuators.
Low Bandwidth Efficiency:
Utilizes a compact message format, minimizing network traffic and making it ideal
for unreliable networks.
Quality of Service (QoS):
Allows for different levels of message delivery reliability, including "at most once",
"at least once", and "exactly once".
Centralized Broker:
A central server (broker) manages message routing, ensuring data is delivered to
subscribed clients.
Topic-Based Routing:
Messages are identified by "topics," which are hierarchical strings that facilitate
filtering and routing based on specific data categories.

How MQTT Works:

1. Connect:
A device establishes a connection with the MQTT broker.
2. Subscribe:
A device subscribes to specific topics of interest by sending a SUBSCRIBE message
to the broker.
3. Publish:
When a device has data to send, it publishes a message to a specific topic using a
PUBLISH message.
4. Delivery:
The broker routes the published message to all subscribed clients on that topic.

Benefits of MQTT for IoT:

Scalability: Can handle large numbers of connected devices due to its publish/subscribe
model.
Flexibility: Enables diverse applications by allowing for custom topic structures.
Reliability: QoS levels ensure dependable message delivery even in unreliable network
conditions.
Security Considerations:
TLS Encryption:
Secure communication between devices and the broker through Transport Layer
Security.
Authentication:
User authentication to control access to topics and prevent unauthorized publishing.
Common IoT Use Cases for MQTT:
Sensor Data Collection: Gathering real-time data from sensors in industrial
environments.
Smart Home Automation: Controlling devices like lights, thermostats based on user
commands
Wearable Device Monitoring: Sending health data from fitness trackers
Industrial Monitoring: Tracking machine status and alerts in manufacturing facilities

Overview of common IoT hardware platfarms

Common hardware IoT platforms include Arduino (ideal for simple projects with basic
sensing and actuation) and Raspberry Pi (more powerful for complex applications), both
offering easy-to-use development environments and large communities, with the key
difference being Arduino's microcontroller-based design for simpler projects and
Raspberry Pi's more robust computer-like capabilities with a full operating system

Arduino:

Arduino is an open-source electronics platform that is easy to use and is designed for

beginners. It is based on a microcontroller and provides an environment for building

and programming projects in a simple and intuitive way. The Arduino platform is

widely used for building IoT projects because it is low-cost and has a vast community

of developers. Arduino boards can be programmed using the Arduino IDE (Integrated

Development Environment) which is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

There are many different types of Arduino boards available, but they all share the same

basic features. They have digital and analog inputs and outputs, which allow them to

interact with a wide range of sensors and actuators. They also have built-in

communication protocols such as USB, UART, SPI, and I2C, which allow them to

communicate with other devices.

Raspberry Pi:

Raspberry Pi is a low-cost, credit-card-sized computer that was designed for education

and experimentation. It is based on an ARM processor and is capable of running a full-

fledged operating system. Raspberry Pi boards are more powerful than Arduino boards
and have more RAM and processing power. This makes them suitable for more

complex IoT projects.

Like Arduino, Raspberry Pi has a large community of developers and enthusiasts,

which makes it a popular choice for building IoT projects. Raspberry Pi boards can run

a variety of operating systems including Raspbian, Ubuntu, and Windows 10 IoT Core.

They can also be programmed using a variety of programming languages including

Python, JavaScript, and C/C++.

Compared to Arduino, Raspberry Pi has more built-in connectivity options such as

Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It also has a built-in HDMI output, which makes it

easy to connect to a monitor or TV. These features make Raspberry Pi a popular

choice for building IoT projects that require more connectivity options and graphics

capabilities.

Which one to choose?

The choice between Arduino and Raspberry Pi depends on the specific requirements of

your IoT project. If you are building a simple project that only requires basic sensing
and actuation, then Arduino is a good choice. It is easy to use and is designed for

beginners. On the other hand, if you are building a more complex project that requires

more processing power and connectivity options, then Raspberry Pi is a better choice.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Arduino and Raspberry Pi are two popular IoT hardware platforms that

are widely used for building IoT projects. They both have their strengths and

weaknesses, and the choice between them depends on the specific requirements of

your project. Arduino is a good choice for beginners who want to build simple

projects, while Raspberry Pi is a better choice for more complex projects that require

more processing power and connectivity options.

Introducing the ESP32
The ESP32 is actually a series of microcontrollers created and developed by Espressif
Systems, a Shanghai-based Chinese company. The following features of ESP32 are

Dual-core Processor

The ESP32 is equipped with Dual-Core 32-bit LX6 microprocessor that operates at an
adjustable clock frequency of 80 to 240 MHz and performs at up to 600 DMIPS
(Dhrystone Million Instructions Per Second)

Ultra-Low Power Consumption

With its multiple power modes and dynamic power scaling, ESP32 achieves ultra-low
power consumption, making it ideal for use in mobile devices, wearable electronics
and IoT applications.

Wi-Fi Capabilities

The ESP32 incorporates an 802.11b/g/n HT40 Wi-Fi transceiver, allowing it to

connect to a Wi-Fi network to access the internet (Station mode) or to create its own
Wi-Fi wireless network (Soft access point mode) to which other devices can connect.

Dual-mode Bluetooth Capabilities

The ESP32 supports Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE/Bluetooth Smart) as well as Bluetooth
Classic (BT), making it suitable for a wide range of IoT applications.

Rich set of Peripherals

The ESP32 includes a plethora of built-in peripherals such as capacitive touch, ADCs,
DACs, UART, SPI, I2C, PWM, and much more.

Many Development Platforms

There are several development platforms available for programming the ESP32. You
can use the Arduino IDE, MicroPython, Espruino, Espressif SDK, or one of the
platforms listed on WikiPedia.

Robust Design

The ESP32 can operate reliably in industrial environments with operating

temperatures ranging from -40°C to +125°C.

Low Cost
It is one of the cheap microcontrollers, with prices beginning at $6; this makes them
accessible to a wide audience.