Basics of

IoT
1. Definition and Characteristics
What is Internet of Things?
 Definition

Internet of Things (IoT) term represents a general concept for the

ability of network devices to sense and collect data from around the
world, and then share that data across the Internet where it can be
processed and utilized for various interesting purposes. The Internet of
things (IoT) is the network of physical objects that contain embedded
technology to communicate and sense or interact with internal states or
the external environment
 Characteristics of IoT
Here are the key characteristics of IoT, that are essential for understanding its
capabilities and potential impact on various industries:
 Scalability
One important characteristic of IoT is scalability. This means that IoT systems have
the ability to accommodate a large number of devices. Whether it's a smart home, a
smart city, or an industrial setting, IoT networks can handle an extensive range of
connected devices without compromising performance. This scalability allows for
the expansion and growth of IoT ecosystems as more devices join the network.
 Interoperability
In an IoT environment, devices from different brands or types should be able to
communicate with each other seamlessly. Interoperability ensures that devices can
exchange information and work together effectively, regardless of their individual
specifications or protocols. For example, a smart thermostat from one brand should
be able to communicate with a smart speaker from another brand without any
compatibility issues.
 Real-time Data
Real-time data collection and analysis are fundamental aspects of IoT. Devices in an IoT
network continuously gather information from their surroundings and transmit it in real
time for analysis. This constant flow of data enables businesses and individuals to make
informed decisions promptly based on up-to-date information. For instance, sensors in a
manufacturing plant can provide real-time data on machine performance, allowing
operators to identify potential issues before they cause significant disruptions.
 Automation
Automation is another key characteristic that sets IoT apart. Devices within an IoT
ecosystem can perform tasks autonomously without human intervention. These
characteristics of IoT collectively contribute to its power and potential. Scalability
ensures that IoT networks can accommodate a vast number of devices, while
interoperability enables seamless communication between different devices. Real-time
data collection allows for timely decision-making, and automation empowers devices to
act independently.
 2. Working Principle
As mentioned before, IoT is a giant network consisting of interconnected devices.
IoT devices have sensors embedded into them. These sensors are capable of sensing their
surroundings. The devices store the information in some form of data. These devices include
appliances such as mobile phones, coffee machines, microwaves, geysers, fire alarms, Air
conditioners, cars and so on.
The sensors embedded in these devices constantly emit data about the surrounding and on the working
information of these devices. IoT serves as a platform to dump all the data collected by these
devices.
IoT platform includes cloud servers and large databases. The IoT platform acts on the data. It
integrates and processes the information. Further, the platform analyses the data thoroughly to gather
important details. The platform then sends back instructions based on the data provided.
Finally, the data aggregation is shared with other devices for better performance in the future. It is
also done for improved user experience.
The future of IoT is bright and massive. According to a report generated by Business Insider, 24
billion IoT devices were installed in the year 2020. ITC predicts that IoT revenue will reach 300
billion dollars in the coming years. This generates large amounts of job opportunities in the
technological industry and various other industries.
 3. Principal components
Internet of Things has 4 components that describe the functioning of most of the IoT
systems:

• Sensors/Devices
These devices connect with the external physical environment. They collect the data
from the outside changes and store this information. A sensor senses the changes in the
surroundings and notes down these changes. This property makes sensors extremely
useful in IoT applications.
For example, there are sensors in your phone such as GPS which track your location
and guide you to your destination. Cameras sense human movement to click pictures.
Try finding out other sensors in your mobile devices
• Connectivity
Cloud servers process the data that sensors collect. But, in order to do so, they require
platforms. Connectivity is the connection among all IoT devices in any given Iot
ecosystem including sensors, routers, gateways, user applications and platforms.
Connectivity allows you to take control over the entire IoT system and hence it is crucial
to select the right kind of connectivity path. Wifi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, cellular networks
such as LTE or 5G all offer connectivity to transmit large amounts of data.
• Data processing
Once the entire data transmits to the platform, functions are performed on this data in
order to process the data and send back necessary outputs. In other words, data
analysis must take place. This step is the most important step in IoT technologies. The
analysis must happen at a quick rate to provide better results.
• User Interface
This is the final stage. This stage is in direct contact with the user and it gives the output
that users see on their screen. Every IoT device has a different interface as each device has
a different task or purpose to accomplish.
 4. Few IoT applications

 Home Automation
Smart home is becoming a need of fast life. Smart home allows many household
devices to be connected with internet for the communication. In smart home, the
various home equipment’s like air conditioning, doors, windows, lighting, washing
machine, and refrigerator can be controlled remotely. IoT in integration with
wireless sensor network can give intelligent solution for energy management of
buildings. With the help of laptop or smartphones, we can access energy information
and control system of buildings
 In Healthcare
There are exciting applications of IoT in healthcare that provide enhance the patient
experience, improve patient care and save the vast amounts of money. Identification of
various drugs is an important application of IoT in healthcare area. IoT unlocks the
potential of existing technologies, and leads us toward new and better medical device
solutions. IoT devices not only improve facilities and professional practice, but also
health in the daily lives. Most studies reviewed point to a chronic disease monitoring in
particular as in which are responsible for the first remote monitoring of vital signs and
the second of a telemedical Electrocardiogram (ECG) system of a patient.
 Remote Monitoring
The devices in IoT can be controlled remotely to perform the desired functionality. The
information sharing among the devices then takes place through the network which
employs the standard protocols of communication.

The electrical appliances including washing machines, and refrigerators can be

controlled remotely through IoT.

The security cameras installed for surveillance of a location can be monitored remotely
anywhere in the world.
 In Agriculture
The advancement in the IoT technology will help farmers increase the crop gain. As Iot
application in agriculture continues to develop, farms will become more connected
more streamlined, more efficient and ultimately more productive. Internet of Things
will effectively solve the quality and safety problems of agricultural Products. The
important applications of IoT in agriculture are water quality monitoring, monitor soil
constituent, water irrigation and pest monitoring.
 Moderne day IoT applications
 Smart parking
 Smart Grid
 Tank level

 PV installations
 Water flow
 Smart product management

 Forest fire detection

 Air pollution
 Intelligent shopping applications
5. Advantages & Disadvantages
 Advantages of IoT

1. Increased Efficiency in Various Sectors

IoT offers numerous advantages, one of which is increased efficiency across

various sectors. With interconnected devices and sensors, organizations can
automate processes, streamline operations, and reduce manual labor. For
example, in manufacturing industries, IoT-enabled machines can communicate
with each other to optimize production schedules and minimize downtime. This
results in higher productivity and cost savings.
 Advantages of IoT

2. Improved Decision-Making Through Data Analysis

Another significant advantage of IoT is the ability to gather vast amounts of data
from connected devices. This data can be analyzed to gain valuable insights that
aid in decision-making. For instance, smart cities can collect data on traffic
patterns, energy consumption, and waste management to make informed decisions
about resource allocation and urban planning. By leveraging this data-driven
approach, organizations can make more accurate predictions and optimize their
operations.
 Advantages of IoT

3. Enhanced Convenience in Daily Life

IoT brings convenience into our daily lives through smart home automation.
Connected devices such as thermostats, lighting systems, and security cameras can
be controlled remotely using smartphones or voice assistants. This allows users to
manage their homes efficiently while enjoying the comfort of automation. For
example, you could adjust your thermostat before arriving home or turn off lights
when leaving the house without physically interacting with these devices.
 Advantages of IoT

4. Cost Savings Through Automation

Automation is a key benefit of IoT that leads to cost savings for businesses and
individuals alike. By automating repetitive tasks through connected devices,
companies can reduce labor costs while increasing productivity. In agriculture, for
instance, farmers can use IoT-enabled sensors to monitor soil moisture levels and
automatically water crops when necessary. This eliminates the need for manual
monitoring and reduces water wastage.
 Disadvantages of IoT
1. Privacy Concerns Due to Extensive Data Collection

One major concern regarding IoT is the extensive collection of personal data by
connected devices. As more devices become interconnected, there is an increased risk of
privacy breaches. For example, smart home devices may collect data on users' habits
and preferences, raising concerns about potential misuse or unauthorized access to this
sensitive information.

2. Security Vulnerabilities Leading to Potential Cyber Threats

The interconnected nature of IoT devices also poses security risks. With more devices
connected to the internet, there is a larger attack surface for cybercriminals. Weak
security measures or vulnerabilities in IoT devices can be exploited, leading to potential
cyber threats such as data breaches or device manipulation. It is crucial for
manufacturers and users to prioritize robust security protocols and regularly update
firmware to mitigate these risks.
 3. Dependency on Technology May Lead to Disruptions if Systems Fail

As we become increasingly reliant on IoT technology, there is a risk of disruptions if

systems fail. In cases where critical infrastructure relies heavily on IoT devices, such as
transportation networks or healthcare systems, any malfunction or outage could have
severe consequences. It is essential to have backup plans and redundancies in place to
ensure continuity in the event of system failures.
4. Potential Job Displacement Due to Automation

While automation through IoT offers efficiency gains, it also raises concerns about job
displacement. As tasks become automated, certain job roles may no longer be required.
This can lead to unemployment or the need for workers to acquire new skills that align
with the changing technological landscape. It is crucial for society and policymakers to
address these challenges by providing retraining opportunities and fostering job creation
in emerging industries.
 6. Case Studies
 How does a smart car function with IoT?

Let’s use a smart car example to understand the functioning of Iot. A smart car is one
that is embedded with IoT. It contains sensors that store information about the
functionality of the car.
A smart car is updated with the latest technology. It includes features such as
collision sensors to alert the driver, GPS and environmental control, alert services that
contact the car manufacturing company when the car requires a check up.
All of these features were unimaginable and impossible a few years ago. Thanks to IoT,
devices can do so much more.
Imagine you are driving your smart car to a particular destination. Smart cars have the
ability to provide the shortest route to the destination and it also provides the estimated
traffic and time to reach the destination.
The sensor located in your car, alerts you about your surroundings. They
constantly send messages. This helps in accident control.
Smart cars have automatic temperature control embedded in them. These sensors
are capable of sensing the weather outside and on the basis of the information it
adjusts the temperature in the car.
In a situation where you feel dizzy and sleepy, you can activate automatic control
where the car drives itself. It does this by gathering information through a network
via the internet.
 Smart Farming with IoT
Let us look at an example on how IoT works on an industrial scale. Thanks to smart
farming, farmers now can understand and grow their crops in a much better way. This
reduces cost and money.
IoT has made a huge impact in the Agriculture industry. It is because of its higher
gains, lesser costs and easy management. A lot of these techniques are currently being
used in farms that generate huge produce. Smaller farms are yet to be introduced with
the IoT technology.
Smart farms have devices that connect to the internet and provide all kinds of real
time data related to the crops. This information includes soil texture, moisture
balance, pesticide levels, water levels and livestock wellness.
Other than that, IoT also controls fences, collects weather information, gathers data on
the condition of livestock, ensures proper vehicle functioning and checks the electrical
supply at the farm.
All this generated information enables farmers to track the health of livestock and
plants and to ensure positive growth. The farmer can also send instructions through a
mobile phone and check in on the crops and animals from the vicinity of his room. In
case of an incident, farmers can respond much quickly and take necessary action. This
reduces the time and cost by a large factor.
IoT provides information on how much pesticide a certain crop requires and it tracks
livestock growth and movement. It alerts you when the sheeps are ready for lambing
during spring, it alerts you on what seasonal crops to grow, it tracks your soil and water
levels and so on.
  Warehouse IoT

Warehouses and Godowns use IoT machinery and devices to keep a track of their product
generation. With growing demands in society, production is increasing at a large scale.
Using IoT in Inventory reduces time and money. Authorities place sensors on top of
devices to track their location, and to obtain any information about the product’s condition.