Building blocks of IoT – What is behind the scenes of the smart systems web?
Sriram Manoharan, founderand MD of Contus
For those unfamiliar with the Internet of Things (IoT), it is a network not just of smartphones and computing systems but also daily ‘Things’.
These include automobiles, electronic appliances, home security systems, manufacturing machinery, healthcare equipment or anything that can be fitted with a sensor to collect, disseminate and transmit data.
So, how does IoT work?
How can ordinary devices become smart systems?
As Sriram Manoharan, the founder and MD of Contus says, the Internet of Things is driven by the combined power of:
- Sensors and Actuators
- Connectivity Mediums – Internet, BLE, RFID, etc.
- Processes – Manufacturing, energy management, security, mobility, etc.
Sensors and Actuators
Sensors are basically chips that can send or receive data across a network. GPS sensors are a classic example which do the task of sending or receiving information about the current location of the sensor.
In the IoT medium, sensors can be attached to anything like an electric grid, water purifier, thermometer, boiler equipment, automobiles, and so on.
There are two ends to sensors which do the task of collecting or transmitting information:
- End node
- Processing node
End node
The end nodes are the Things which empower normal devices to become smart systems. Also referred to as Edge Products or Objects or simply Things they are sensing nodes which input or output information or act as actuators. Actuators are the mechanisms that give energy to put a mechanical motion in action.
For instance, a factory boiler needs to be turned off when it reaches a prescribed temperature. When the boiler reaches the stipulated temperature, the actuator senses the temperature and turns off the boiler or sends an alert, whichever it is programmed for.
End nodes have a unique identity and network protocol of their own to establish two-way communication with other nodes in the network limit. End nodes can be made to work on their own or on control through remote mechanisms handled by end users.
Processing node
Processing node is like the hub of an IoT system. It bridges a connect between the End Node and the application or the cloud solution to which the data is to be sent. They are like tiny computing systems that process the data received from both ends and dispatch it to the right destinations for further action.
Processing nodes are referred to as IoT Gateways that collect data from sensors and dispatch them to cloud or applications as designed in the gateway software.
Compared to End Nodes, Processing Nodes are physically bigger and more able in processing power. Circuits, microcontrollers and microprocessing make up the hardware of a processing node. As a result, they can also be configured to be controlled using remote sensors on a real-time basis. Processing Nodes often come equipped with encryption and decryption capabilities to ensure the security of data being exchanged.
Connectivity
The internet is the foundation upon which the entire Internet of Things environment is built. However, other forms of connectivity are also able to forge the network of IoT.
Since IoT is usually deployed in environments where wired connectivity is not ideal or is inadequate to cover the expanse, wireless connectivity mediums like ZigBee, RFID, BLE, GSM, etc. are widely used.
Depending on the area covered, the network coverage will be segregated as PAN, LAN, WAN, MAN, etc. Depending on the complexity of the application and the specific network requirements of the device, the connectivity module may have to be developed specifically.
Processes
IoT simplifies the effort or amplifies the end result of a process by putting sensors and connectivity into work. Without processes, the benefit from IoT cannot be best tapped into. IoT integrates the data collected from sensors and networks for further actions or decision making.
The processes for which IoT can be deployed include:
- Remote monitoring or maintenance
- Controlling or automation
- Location tracking
- Security control
- Mobility and remote support
IoT applications do not have a common pattern of characteristic. The options are literally endless. In fact, IoT has given birth to a whole new range of smart applications & devices that can work smarter by connecting to the Internet.
Some classic examples include:
- Connected cars
- Smart energy metering
- Parking sensors
- Physical activity trackers
- Connected home appliances
- Smart cities
- Connected manufacturing
Closing note
IoT signals the beginning a new era of a connected world. The connectivity will go far beyond the mainstream connectivity that exists between smartphones, laptops and servers.
IoT will usher us into a moving, living and more tightly interwoven global network of devices that will make our daily living easier, smarter and safer.
Sensors, Connectivity and Processes work in conjunction to make that happen. They are the building blocks that make up the Internet of Things.
The author of this blog is Sriram Manoharan, founder and MD of Contus
About the author:
Sriram Manoharan, the founder and MD of Contus, a SMAC-based Digital Transformations company that delivers upscale IoT app development services, Enterprise Mobility Development, eCommerce development and several other next-gen tech services.
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