National University of Sciences & Technology

School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department

of Computing

IT-863: Internet of Things

Spring 2022

Assignment 02:
IoT Challenges and SWOT Analysis

Announcement Date
17th March 12:00 am

Due Date
th
25 March 12:00 PM on LMS

Instructor: Dr. Rafia Mumtaz

Name: [ Ghulam Bahoo ]

Reg #: [ 329486 ]
Section: [ MS(IT) 2k20 ]
Question 1 [20 marks]
In the light of the course material covered and provided on LMS, (a) describe the challenges
of Internet of Things, (b) perform the SWOT analysis of Internet of Things
Instructions
Identify maximum of 5 major challenges of Internet of Things. The SWOT analysis can be
performed considering the Internet of Things domain in general or it can be specific to a
particular use case such as Internet of Medical Things, Industrial Internet of Things, Smart
Cities, Smart Agriculture, Smart Environment, etc. The reading material related to this
assignment is uploaded on LMS.
i. Describe the challenges of Internet of Things. 8 marks
The Internet of Things (IoT) has quickly become an important element of how people live,
interact, and conduct business. Web-enabled devices are making the globe a more
switched-on place to live all over the planet.
The Internet of Things faces a variety of obstacles from design and development point of
view which are described below:

Design Challenges:
1. Battery life is a limitation:
Packaging and integration issues with small-sized chips with minimal weight and
power consumption. If you've been following the mobile arena, you've probably
seen how there appears to be no restriction in terms of display screen size every
year. Consider the rise of ' ,' which can be phones that are nearly as large as tablets.
Although useful, larger displays aren't necessarily for convenience; rather, display
screen sizes are increasing to accommodate larger batteries. Computers are
becoming smaller, but battery energy remains constant.
2. Increased cost and time to market:
Cost is a minor constraint for embedded systems. The demand arises from the desire
to drive improved techniques when creating IoT devices in order to manage cost
modelling or cost optimally with digital electronic components.
Designers must also tackle the design time issue and bring the embedded device to
market on time.
3. Security of the system:
Systems must be designed and implemented to be robust and reliable, as well as
secure utilising cryptographic methods and security protocols. It entails many
techniques to securing all components of embedded systems from prototype
through deployment.

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Development Challenges:
1. Connectivity:
It is the most important consideration for linking devices, apps, and cloud platforms.
Connected gadgets that deliver relevant information and a helpful front are incredibly
valuable. However, when IoT sensors are required to monitor process data and provide
information, weak connectivity becomes a barrier.
2. Cross platform capability:
IoT apps must be created with the future's technical changes in mind. Its creation
necessitates a delicate mix of hardware and software functionalities. It is difficult for IoT
application developers to ensure that the device and IoT platform drivers perform
optimally despite high device rates and fixes.
3. Data collection and processing:
Data is crucial in the growth of IoT. What is more important in this case is the processing
or usefulness of the stored data. Along with security and privacy, development teams
must plan carefully for how data is collected, kept, and processed within an
environment.

ii. Perform the SWOT analysis of Internet of Things. SWOT analysis should describe 5
strengths, 5 weaknesses, 5 opportunities, and 5 Threats. 8 marks
The Internet of Things, the next big thing in technology, has here, and with a bang! It brings
with it a slew of connected devices that promise to make our lives easier and more
enjoyable.
It is a whole new wave of technology that has been heralded by many as an epochal shift.
It's no surprise that some of us are excited while others are a little nervous about the idea of
investing in IoT. So, to help both the excited and the worried make judgments, here is a
complete and unbiased SWOT analysis of the Internet of Things.

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Strengths:
 The Internet of Things can be modelled to reduce costs:
A simple application of connected devices is on a factory floor, where production units
are linked to delivery and sales units. If a particular brand's product is not performing
well in the market, the sales counter machine can inform the manufacturing units to
reduce or, in extreme cases, halt production. Connected devices can interact in this
manner to greatly decrease costs.
 Environment Friendly:
Connected gadgets can be designed to reduce carbon emissions and so aid in
environmental protection. Smart cars, smart lights, and smart homes minimise energy
consumption and, as a result, pollutants. According to a recent research from the
Carbon War Room, the Internet of Things has the potential to reduce emissions by 19%.
In the coming years, the value of IoT and the M2M market could reach $1 trillion.
 Innovation:
Innovation has successfully guided the technology industry to its current apex. The era
of connecting things to create a smart environment opens up a world of unimaginable
possibilities (read: opportunity!). Such circumstances breed innovation and paradigm-
shifting ideas. IoT is still in its infancy, but it is safe to say that amazing things are on the
way in the near future.
 Public Interest and Hype:
IoT first appeared on the Garner Hype Cycle in 2012. It surpassed Big in 2014. This was
the outcome of all the hype surrounding IoT and the attention it garnered from both
customers and manufacturers. Apple, Microsoft, and Google are already in the battle to
bring intelligent products to consumers. This constant media hoopla and reoccurring
stories regarding IoT are just what the doctor ordered! IoT is being enthusiastically
received, and its adoption in the future is certain to grow.

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  Ease of Use:
Let us not deny that we all want to be glorified couch potatoes who can control all of the
electronics around us with a single command from a single location. The Internet of
Things will be able to connect gadgets and allow them to communicate with one
another. This lessens our workload and raises our general standard of living. As a result,
we can expect to say goodbye to many remotes and switches in the near future.

Weaknesses
 Security:
The most frequently discussed disadvantage of linking devices is their security and how
it might be exploited by a small group of hackers. The recent activities of hackers
attempting to get control of smart refrigerators are not helping the IoT's reputation.
Attempts are being made, however, to revitalise the security of such devices and to
establish a universal standard for the same.
 Data Challenges:
Every year, we generate Exabyte of data. This data must be saved and examined in order
to gain information about specific parameters. When all devices are linked together, the
amount of data acquired multiplies manifold. The collection, analysis, and storage of all
that data is a difficult challenge, and we need stronger infrastructure to deal with the
oncoming data deluge.
 Massive Investments:
Companies who want to be early movers in the IoT sector must invest heavily in
developing linked devices. Aside from the production costs, there is also a significant
cost associated with the product's R&D. This high cost may deter new market
participants. Companies must maintain their readiness to reap the benefits of such
investments over time.
 No Road Map:
IoT is still in its infancy. There is no defined road map, meaning that the development is
not progressing in a distinct direction. In such a case, technology advances with
innovation as and when it occurs. As potential buyers, we may discover ten options for
one device but none for another. This type of need-driven growth will continue until the
dust settles and definite guidelines for the development of the internet of things are
established.
 A directionless technology:
IoT is still in its infancy because it is a relatively new development. In terms of growth,
this indicates it's very aimless. Although we can now make most objects "smart,"
infrastructure, firmware, and possible vulnerabilities must also catch up.
The internet of things will most likely continue to grow and innovate, as does most
technology. Because this is a new business with boundless potential (for the time being),
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 developers are enthusiastic about the expansion of IoT. If there are no laws and
regulations in place about the use of the gadget, the collection and use of data, or how
to keep each smart thing secure, it may crumble.

Opportunities:
 Healthcare Applications:
The agenda that is driving the revolution of connected devices is paradigm shift in the
field of personal healthcare. Developers have numerous possibilities to innovate and
create solutions to make our lives easier. Apple's recent release of the Health Kit and
Research Kit is merely a step forward in the goal of bettering healthcare. With so many
new ideas popping up all the time and the present state of technology, everything is
conceivable. This is a win-win situation for us as potential clients.
 Wearable’s:
Smart watches, smart glasses, and smart garments all bear the'smart' label. Today's
watches can track our everyday activities, workout routines, and much more. Smart
glasses are being developed to turn everything around us into interactive holograms. All
of this is driving us to a time where everything we wear and hold has the ability to think
for itself.
 Infrastructure Management:
Another industry that can benefit from IoT is infrastructure management. Offshore
drilling and construction industries have already begun to use wearable technology such
as Google Glass and smart watches. Microsoft's Holo Lens is expected to play a critical
role in infrastructure.
 Making Computers More ubiquitous:
According to Moore's Law, the size of computer microprocessors decreases by half every
18 months. This demonstrates that developers' goal is to integrate computers into our
life in such a fine, sophisticated way that we don't perceive them as distinct entities. The
latest influx of smart wearables aspires to make computing entirely pervasive among us.
 Exciting Investment Opportunities:
The Internet of Things (IoT) brings with it a plethora of possible investment
opportunities. I recall reading a post by Dave Kelly about how those who recognised the
potential of the smartphone and jumped on board before the iPhone came out are now
smiling their way to the bank. IoT has a lot of upside potential for people looking to
invest in semiconductor firms, solution companies, and so on. From here, it's all upward.

Threats
 Vulnerability to hackers:
When we think of hackers, we envision highly intelligent folks working endlessly on their
Alienwares to bring a website down. With connected gadgets in play, these hackers will

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 be able to manage your smart lighting, garage, watches, and even your clothes! This
open invitation to hackers to try to manipulate any device in the vicinity poses a severe
threat to IoT and prevents users from changing to connected devices.
 No Meeting Peoples Expectation:
Watchdogs, a popular console game, is a good example to illustrate this notion. When
the game was in its early phases of development, it was shown at a conference. People
had great hopes for an open-world hacking game. However, what was produced fell
short of expectations, resulting in an average product. IoT has reached the pinnacle of its
popularity in this country. People have both realistic and unrealistic expectations of IoT.
Exaggerated expectations pose a risk to IoT if the devices fail to meet the user's
expectations.
 Lack of demand due to high cost:
Let's be honest: smart watches, eyewear, and even light bulbs are not inexpensive. A pack of
three smart lights costs nearly three times as much as conventional bulbs. It's great that
firms are inventing connected devices, but they'll be useless if the intended target group
can't buy them. Large selling prices are a major threat to IoT and its expansion.
iii. Please provide valid references at the end of your document. The references
should be properly cited in the document. 2 marks
References:

 https://theiotportal.com/2015/07/01/swot-analysis-of-the-internet-of-things/
 https://pestleanalysis.com/swot-analysis-of-the-internet-of-things/
 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666123321000167
 https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6978614?
casa_token=6dczw9AF6DMAAAAA:PyGkg32GynKvOD9n7docSMOF98BgWITP0-
ZzAq3nRuTWExWgR5DL01HJbCTmJgbq3GeodjwTBA
Deliverable:

i. Please submit the solution using this same MS word on LMS until 25 th March 12 pm
afternoon.
ii. Please submit the printed version of the solved assignment on 25 th March 2021 until 3
pm in office A-203 faculty block

This is an individual assignment and No submission will be accepted after the deadline.

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