The Primary Systems of IoT Technology

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the billions of physical devices around the world that are now connected to the internet, collecting and sharing data. IoT systems involve four primary technology systems working together:

1. Sensors/Devices

The first main component of IoT systems is the sensors and devices that collect data. This includes everything from smart home devices like smart thermostats and security cameras, to industrial sensors that monitor machinery and track inventory.

Sensors detect changes in the physical environment and convert phenomena like motion, heat, light, etc. into digital signals that can be processed by computers. IoT devices contain embedded sensors that integrate seamlessly into physical objects, buildings, vehicles and infrastructure.

Key Points on Sensors:

• IoT sensors measure data like temperature, pressure, motion, location, light, etc.
• Smart devices contain multiple embedded sensors.
• Advancements in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have allowed sensors to become smaller and cheaper.
• Low power wide area networks (LPWANs) allow sensors to communicate wirelessly over long distances.

2. Connectivity

The second core component of IoT systems is connectivity. This is what allows the sensors and devices to communicate and share data through the internet.

IoT connectivity involves short and long-range wireless networking technologies like WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, satellites, etc. Gateways and routers connect the devices to wider area networks and ultimately the internet.

Key Points on IoT Connectivity:

• Short-range wireless (Bluetooth, WiFi) connects nearby devices.
• Cellular networks (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) provide wide area connectivity.
• New low-power WAN tech like LoRaWAN offers long-range, low-power connectivity in rural areas.
• Gateways aggregate data from devices and connect to the internet.
• IoT devices have built-in network connectivity to communicate.

3. Data Storage and Processing

The data captured by IoT devices needs to be securely stored and processed. This is handled in the cloud by IoT platforms.

IoT platforms provide capabilities like device management, data collection, storage, analytics, dashboards, etc. The platforms allow users to view, analyze and act on data from IoT devices in real-time.

Key Points on IoT Data Management:

• Cloud-based IoT platforms manage connectivity, data, and devices.
• Platforms allow remote monitoring, analytics, dashboards, and control of devices.
• Machine learning can be applied to detect patterns and predict failures.
• Data lakes and data warehouses store massive amounts of IoT data.
• Blockchain emerging for secure IoT data sharing between parties.

4. User Interface

The final component of IoT ecosystems is the user interface. This is how humans interact with and control the IoT system.

Interfaces include dashboards that visualize data insights, mobile/web apps to monitor devices and alerts, voice assistants that allow voice control, and augmented reality interfaces for industrial settings.

Key Points on IoT User Interfaces:

• Web and mobile dashboards allow the monitoring of IoT devices and data.
• Apps control IoT devices like smart home systems, appliances etc.
• Voice assistants like Alexa allow voice control over IoT devices.
• AR glasses and headsets display data and alerts in industrial IoT settings.
• Automation rules can trigger actions based on sensor data.

IoT Technology System Interactions

These four IoT systems work together to deliver actionable insights:

• Sensors detect events and collect data.
• Connectivity networks transmit sensor data to the cloud.
• Cloud platforms process and analyze data from devices.
• Interfaces present insights and enable users to control devices.

Optimization of each layer and their interplay is key to building effective IoT systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Primary IoT Systems

What are the key components of an IoT system?

The four core components of IoT systems are:

1. Sensors and Devices
2. Connectivity
3. Data Processing/Cloud Platforms
4. User Interfaces

These work together to collect data, connect devices, derive insights, and enable control.

What connectivity protocols are used in IoT?

Common IoT wireless protocols include:

• WiFi – For connecting nearby devices
• Bluetooth/BLE – Short-range wireless
• Cellular – 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G networks
• LoRaWAN – Long range, low power wide area networks
• Zigbee – Mesh networks for home/building automation

Wired networks like Ethernet are also used. Gateways aggregate and connect data to the cloud.

How are IoT devices managed?

IoT platforms provide remote device management capabilities including:

• Provisioning and authentication
• Monitoring device status -Updating firmware and configurations
• Monitoring power/battery levels
• Rebooting devices remotely
• Decommissioning devices

This allows centralized management of millions of deployed IoT devices.

How is data analyzed in IoT systems?

IoT platforms apply analytics like:

• Descriptive analytics – aggregate, report on data
• Diagnostic analytics – analyze root causes from data
• Predictive analytics – identify patterns and anomalies
• Prescriptive analytics – recommend actions based on data

Machine learning algorithms are used to gain insights from IoT device data.

How do users interact with IoT systems?

• Dashboards display metrics and insights from IoT data.
• Mobile and web apps allow monitoring devices.
• Voice assistants enable voice commands to control devices.
• Augmented reality displays real-time data/alerts in industrial settings.
• APIs allow integration with third-party apps.

Interfaces enable users to monitor and control devices based on IoT data.