Introduction to Internet of Things (IoT) –

Notes (week 1)
Lecture 1: Basics of IoT
1. What is IoT?

- IoT stands for Internet of Things.

- It refers to the interconnection of everyday physical objects (like lights, fans, refrigerators, etc.) to
the internet.

- These objects are embedded with sensors, electronics, and software to collect and exchange data.

- Example: A smart fridge that can tell you when you’re out of milk or a smart thermostat that
adjusts the temperature based on your preferences.

2. Why is IoT Important?

- IoT provides advanced services to society and businesses.

- It enables smart homes and smart cities, where devices communicate with each other to improve
efficiency.

- Example: In a smart city, traffic lights can adjust based on real-time traffic data to reduce
congestion.

3. Challenges in IoT

- Scalability: Billions of devices will be connected, so the system must handle a large number of
nodes.

- Addressing: Each device needs a unique address, and current systems like IPv4 may not be
sufficient.

- Energy Efficiency: Many IoT devices are low-power and need to conserve energy.

4. How IoT Works

- Devices are equipped with embedded systems (small computers) that allow them to connect to
the internet.

- These devices communicate using wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee.

- Data from these devices is sent to the cloud for processing, and actions are taken based on the
analysis.
5. Applications of IoT

- Healthcare: Portable health monitors, electronic medical records.

- Retail: Inventory tracking, smart shopping.

- Security: Biometric locks, remote sensors.

- Manufacturing: Real-time monitoring of machines, supply chain management.

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Lecture 2: IoT Networking Basics

1. IoT Network Components

- IoT LAN (Local Area Network): Connects devices within a small area like a home or office.

- IoT WAN (Wide Area Network): Connects multiple LANs over a larger area.

- Gateway: Acts as a bridge between the local network and the internet.

- Proxy: Helps devices connect to the internet securely.

-Nodes: Connected to other nodes inside a LAN via the IoT LAN, May be sometimes connected to
the internet through a WAN directly

2. Addressing in IoT

- Each device in an IoT network needs a unique address.

- IPv4 is not enough because it can only support around 4 billion addresses.

- IPv6 is better as it supports a much larger number of addresses (2^128).

- Local Addressing: Devices within a LAN have unique local addresses, which can be reused in
different LANs.

3. Connectivity in IoT

- Devices can connect using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Cellular networks, etc.

- Multi-homing: A device can be connected to multiple networks for better reliability.

4. IoT vs. M2M (Machine-to-Machine Communication)

- M2M: Focuses on communication between machines without human intervention.

- IoT: Broader than M2M, includes communication between devices, people, and applications.
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Lecture 3: Sensing in IoT

1. What is a Sensor?

- A sensor detects changes in the environment (like temperature, light, pressure) and converts
them into electrical signals.

- Example: A temperature sensor measures the heat in a room.

2. Types of Sensors

- Analog Sensors: Provide continuous output (e.g., temperature sensor).

- Digital Sensors: Provide discrete output (e.g., on/off signals).

- Scalar Sensors: Measure only magnitude (e.g., temperature).

- Vector Sensors: Measure magnitude and direction (e.g., accelerometer).

3. Common Sensors in IoT

- Temperature Sensor: Measures heat.

- Ultrasonic Sensor: Measures distance using sound waves.

- PIR Sensor: Detects motion.

- Camera Sensor: Captures images or videos.

4. Sensor Errors

- Sensitivity Error: Sensor’s sensitivity differs from its specifications.

- Offset Error: Sensor gives a constant error in readings.

- Noise: Random fluctuations in the sensor’s output.

- Hysteresis Error: Sensor’s output depends on its previous input.

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Lecture 4: Actuation in IoT

- An actuator is a device that performs an action based on the data received from sensors.
 - Example: A relay switch turns off the power in case of a fire detected by a smoke sensor.

2. Types of Actuators

- Hydraulic Actuators: Use liquid pressure to create motion (e.g., in heavy machinery).

- Pneumatic Actuators: Use compressed air to create motion (e.g., in brakes).

- Electric Actuators: Use electric motors to create motion (e.g., in solenoid valves).

- Mechanical Actuators: Convert rotary motion into linear motion (e.g., rack and pinion).

3. How Actuators Work

- Actuators receive a control signal (usually electrical) and convert it into mechanical motion.

- Example: A solenoid valve controls the flow of water in pipes based on an electrical signal.

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Lecture 5: IoT Networking - Part 1

1. IoT Network Layers

- Sensing Layer: Collects data from sensors.

- Network Layer: Transmits data over the internet or local networks.

- Service Layer: Processes data and provides services (e.g., analytics).

- Interface Layer: Allows users to interact with the IoT system.

2. IoT vs. Web Stack

- IoT has additional layers for power management, network management, and resource
management because IoT devices are resource-constrained.

3. Key Technologies for IoT

- Big Data: Handling large amounts of data generated by IoT devices.

- Cloud Computing: Storing and processing data in the cloud.

- Security: Protecting data and devices from cyber threats.

- Interoperability: Ensuring devices from different vendors can communicate.

- Scalability: Handling billions of devices.

- Interference: Managing communication between devices.

- Heterogeneity: Dealing with different devices, protocols, and standards.

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Summary
- IoT is about connecting everyday objects to the internet to make them smarter and more efficient.

- Sensors collect data from the environment, and actuators perform actions based on that data.

- Networking in IoT involves connecting devices using technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee.

- Challenges include scalability, addressing, energy efficiency, and security.

- Applications of IoT are vast, ranging from smart homes and cities to healthcare and manufacturing.

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Key Takeaways

1. IoT is the future of connectivity, where everything from your toothbrush to your car will be
connected to the internet.

2. Sensors and actuators are the building blocks of IoT, enabling devices to sense and act on their
environment.

3. Networking is crucial for IoT, and technologies like IPv6, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth are essential for
connecting devices.

4. Challenges like scalability, energy efficiency, and security need to be addressed for IoT to reach its
full potential.