Internet of Things (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.

▪ It also refers to a network of computing devices, machines, other physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and
network connectivity, allowing them to collect and share data.
▪ In manufacturing, the IoT is used to create smart factories that are more efficient and productive with sensors and devices to gather
data, optimize processes, and identify and offset potential problems.
▪ Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is a network of interconnected machinery, tools and sensors that communicate with each other and
the cloud to collect and share data.
▪ IIoT-connected assets help industrial manufacturing facilities manage and maintain equipment by utilizing cloud computing and
facilitating communication between enabled machinery. These features use data from multiple machines simultaneously, automate
processes and provide manufacturers more sophisticated analyses. 159
 Internet of Things (IoT)
▪ In smart factories, IIoT devices are used to enhance machine vision, track inventory levels and analyze data to optimize the mass
production process.
▪ IIoT not only allows internet-connected smart assets to communicate and share diagnostic data, enabling instantaneous system and
asset comparisons, but it also helps manufacturers make more informed decisions about the entire mass production operation.
▪ IoT devices - also known as “smart objects”- can range from simple “smart home” devices like smart thermostats, to wearables like
smartwatches and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)-enabled clothing, to complex industrial machinery and transportation
systems. Technologists are even envisioning entire “smart cities” predicated on IoT technologies.
▪ Beyond manufacturing, IoT has the potential to revolutionize other industries (i.e., distribution, retail, healthcare).
▪ The potential applications of IoT are vast and varied, and its impact is already being felt across a wide range of industries, including
manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and agriculture.
▪ In an enterprise context, IoT devices are used to monitor a wide range of parameters such as temperature, humidity, air quality, energy
consumption, and machine performance. This data can be analyzed in real time to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies that can
help businesses optimize their operations and improve their bottom line

➢ IIoT is an evolution of a distributed control system (DCS) which permits for a higher
degree of automation using cloud computing to refine and optimize the process controls.
➢ It integrates various other technologies like Cyber Security, Cloud and Edge
Computing, Mobile Technologies, 3D Printing, Advanced Robotics, Big
Data, RFID Technology

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 Why is IoT important?
Improved efficiency
➢ By using IoT devices to automate and optimize processes, businesses can improve efficiency and productivity.
➢ For example, IoT sensors can be used to monitor equipment performance and detect or even resolve potential issues before they
cause downtime, reducing maintenance costs and improving uptime.
Data-driven decision-making
❑ IoT devices generate vast amounts of data that can be used to make better-informed business decisions and new business models.
❑ By analyzing this data, businesses can gain insights into customer behavior, market trends, and operational performance, allowing
them to make more informed decisions about strategy, product development, and resource allocation.
Cost-savings
❖ By reducing manual processes and automating repetitive tasks, IoT can help businesses reduce costs and improve profitability.
❖ For example, IoT devices can be used to monitor energy usage & optimize consumption, reducing energy costs & improving sustainability
Enhanced customer experience
❑ By using IoT technology to gather data about customer behavior, businesses can create more personalized and engaging experiences
for their customers.
❑ For example, retailers can use IoT sensors to track customer movements in stores and deliver personalized offers based on their
behavior.

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 The technologies that make IoT possible
Sensors and actuators: Sensors are devices that can detect changes in the environment, such as temperature, humidity, light, motion, or
pressure. Actuators are devices that can cause physical changes in the environment, such as opening or closing a valve or turning on a
motor. These devices are at the heart of IoT, as they allow machines and devices to interact with the physical world. Automation is
possible when sensors and actuators work to resolve issues without human intervention.

Connectivity technologies: To transmit IoT data from sensors and actuators to the cloud, IoT devices need to be connected to the
internet. There are several connectivity technologies that are used in IoT, including wifi, Bluetooth, cellular, Zigbee, and LoRaWAN.

Cloud computing: The cloud is where the vast amounts of data that is generated by IoT devices are stored, processed, and
analyzed. Cloud computing platforms provide the infrastructure and tools that are needed to store and analyze this data, as well as to
build and deploy IoT applications.

Big data analytics: To make sense of the vast amounts of data generated by IoT devices, businesses need to use advanced analytics tools
to extract insights and identify patterns. These tools can include machine learning algorithms, data visualization tools and predictive
analytics models.

Security and privacy technologies: As IoT deployments become more widespread, IoT security and privacy become increasingly
important. Technologies such as encryption, access controls and intrusion detection systems are used to protect IoT devices and the data
they generate from cyberthreats.
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 Examples of IoT applications
Healthcare
▪ In the healthcare industry, IoT devices can be used to monitor patients remotely and collect real-time data on their vital signs, such as
heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation.
▪ This sensor data can be analyzed to detect patterns and identify potential health issues before they become more serious. IoT devices
can also be used to track medical equipment, manage inventory and monitor medication compliance.
Manufacturing
▪ Industrial IoT devices can be used in manufacturing to monitor machine performance, detect equipment failures and optimize
production processes.
▪ For example, sensors can be used to monitor the temperature and humidity in a manufacturing facility, ensuring that conditions are
optimal for the production of sensitive products.
▪ IoT devices can also be used to track inventory, manage supply chains and monitor the quality of finished products. Industrial IoT is
such an expansive new technology space, that it is sometimes referred to by its own abbreviation: IIoT (Industrial IoT).
Retail
▪ In the retail industry, IoT devices can be used to track customer behavior, monitor inventory levels and optimize store layouts.
▪ For example, sensors can be used to track foot traffic in a store and analyze customer behavior, allowing retailers to optimize product
placement and improve the customer experience. IoT devices can also be used to monitor supply chains, track shipments and manage
inventory levels.
Agriculture
▪ IoT devices can be used in agriculture to monitor soil conditions, weather patterns and crop growth.
▪ For example, sensors can be used to measure the moisture content of soil, ensuring that crops are irrigated at the optimal time. IoT
devices can also be used to monitor livestock health, track equipment and manage supply chains. Low-power or solar-powered
devices can often be used with minimal oversight in remote locations. 163
 Examples of IoT applications
Transportation
➢ In the transportation industry, IoT devices can be used to monitor vehicle performance, optimize routes, and track shipments.
➢ For example, sensors can be used to monitor the fuel efficiency of connected cars, reducing fuel costs and improving sustainability.
IoT devices can also be used to monitor the condition of cargo, ensuring that it arrives at its destination in optimal condition.

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 How should businesses approach IoT?
Managing IoT devices can be a complex and challenging task, but there are several best practices that businesses can follow to ensure
that their IoT devices are secure, reliable, and optimized for performance. Here are some tips for managing IoT devices:

Plan your IoT strategy: Before deploying any IoT devices, businesses should have a clear understanding of their objectives, use cases
and desired outcomes. This can help them choose the right devices, IoT platforms and technologies, and ensure that their IoT strategy is
aligned with their business goals.
Choose secure IoT products: Security is a critical consideration for IoT solutions, as they can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Businesses
should choose devices that are designed with security in mind and implement appropriate security systems, such as encryption,
authentication, and access controls.
Monitor and maintain devices: IoT devices need to be monitored and maintained regularly to ensure that they are performing optimally
and are not vulnerable to security threats. This can involve monitoring device health and performance, updating firmware and software
and conducting regular security audits and predictive maintenance.
Manage data effectively: IoT devices generate vast amounts of real-world data, which can be challenging to manage and analyze.
Businesses should have a clear data management strategy in place, including data storage, analysis, and visualization. To ensure that they
can extract meaningful insights from the data that is generated by their IoT devices.
Build an ecosystem: IoT devices are often part of a larger ecosystem that includes other devices, platforms, and technologies. Businesses
should have a clear understanding of this ecosystem and ensure that their IoT devices can integrate effectively with other systems
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 The future of IoT
Growth: The number of IoT devices is expected to continue to grow rapidly, with estimates suggesting that there will be tens of billion IoT
devices in use over the next few years. This growth will be driven by increased adoption across industries, as well as the development of
new use cases and applications.
Edge computing: Edge computing is becoming increasingly important for IoT, as it allows data to be processed and analyzed closer to the
source of the data, rather than in a centralized data center. This can improve response times, reduce latency and reduce the amount of data
that needs to be transferred over IoT networks.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning: AI and machine learning are becoming increasingly important for IoT, as they can be used
to analyze vast amounts of data that is generated by IoT devices and extract meaningful insights. This can help businesses make more
informed decisions and optimize their operations.
Blockchain: Blockchain technology is being explored as a way to improve security and privacy in the IoT. Blockchain can be used to
create secure, decentralized networks for IoT devices, which can minimize data security vulnerabilities.
Sustainability: Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration for IoT, as businesses look for ways to reduce their
environmental impact. IoT can be used to optimize energy usage, reduce waste and improve sustainability across a range of industries.
The future of IoT is exciting, with many new developments and innovations on the horizon, with providers of devices offering attractive
pricing, as the cost of IoT device production declines. As the number of IoT devices continues to grow, businesses need to be prepared to
adapt to new technologies and embrace new use cases and applications. Those that are able to do so will be positioned to reap the
benefits of this transformative technology.
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 Types of Network Connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT)
Connecting the Internet of Things – Tradeoff Between Power Consumption, Range, and Bandwidth
▪ The perfect network connectivity option would consume extremely little power, have huge range, and would be able to
transmit large amounts of data (high bandwidth).
Low Power Consumption, Low Range, High Bandwidth
▪ To decrease power consumption and still send a lot of data, you have to decrease the range.
▪ Connectivity options in this group include WiFi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet.
▪ Ethernet is a hard-wired connection, so the range is short because it’s only as far as the length of the cable. WiFi and
Bluetooth are both wireless connections with lower power consumption than cellular and satellite
Low Power Consumption, High Range, Low Bandwidth
▪ To increase range while maintaining low power consumption, you have to decrease the amount of data that you’re sending.
▪ Connectivity options in this group are called Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWAN).
▪ LPWANs send small amounts of data which allows them to operate at very low power with ranges in miles rather than feet.
▪ For example, a moisture sensor for agricultural purposes doesn’t need to send a lot of data, perhaps just a single number (the
moisture level) every few hours. You also don’t want this sensor to consume a lot of power because it needs to run on
battery (plugging it into an outlet in the middle of a field just isn’t realistic)
▪ In the interest of keeping this post simple and high-level, some other connectivity options like Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID), Near-Field Communication (NFC), may also can be employed.

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 Connection Types Utilized for IoT Devices
▪ IoT connected devices are creating a world in which data is exchanged between physical objects such as sensors, on-device
software and adjacent technologies with other systems and devices.
▪ The essential enabling technology is the connection between the ‘things’ of IoT which enables these exchanges to happen
▪ The cellular market has been on a journey from 1G to 5G and 5G is now available, alongside earlier cellular generations, to
connect devices that require very high speed, very low latency as well as the capability to connect huge numbers of IoT
devices in densely packed areas.
▪ Different connection types and devices are now coming together to create the hyperscale Internet of Things, driving
innovation and increasing the scope of what is possible to achieve by connecting devices and bridging the digital and
physical worlds

LPWAN (Low-power wide-area networks)

Low power wide area networks typically utilize unlicensed radio technologies to enable relatively low capacity over sites such
as factories, mines, etc.
Key types of LPWAN connectivity include:
Bluetooth
▪ Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology mainly used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short
distances using UHF radio waves, from 2.402 GHz to 2.48 GHz, and building personal area networks.
▪ Its characteristics make it suitable only for short distance deployments.

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