HOW IOT WORKS AND HOW BENEFICIAL IT IS WHEN COMPARED TO CONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGY

I. How it works.
1. IoT creates a system of interrelated devices connect to the internet → These devices can transfer
and receive data from one to another. Ex: When you have already traveled to work and forget to
turn off your heater, the scheduled task will help you or you can just turn it off remotely via
mobile applications.
2. Let’s deep dive into the architecture of IOT which contains 4 layers:
a. Sensing Layer: IoT devices consist of 2 main groups, General devices like home appliances
that are connected either by wired or wireless interfaces. Next, sensing devices, sensors
and actuators which measures temperature, humidity, and light intensity.
b. Network Layer: Where the communication happens, via an MQTT (Message Queuing
Telemetry Transport) protocol. IoT devices are connected to the network gateways, with
wired and wireless interfaces such as WIFI, Bluetooth, Zigbee,… The gateways can also be
found under processing nodes because they process information collected from the
sensors before transferring it to the cloud, advance gateways also provide malware
protection and cyber attacks.
c. Data processing Layer: This layer is the cloud from where data is accessed by software
applications, it consists of algorithms and elements relevant for data processing displayed
on the dash board. The cloud can be perceived as both storage and a processing unit.
d. Application Layer: Or API management, it acts as an interface between a third-party
application and infrastructure. The third party apps could be health care, farming, home
surveillance, etc.
II. Why is it better than the conventional technology?
1. Let’s go back 2 decades ago when access to the Internet was only available for desktop and smart
phone. But now, with the implementation of IoT, almost all appliances can be connected to the
Internet and monitored remotely. IoT is shaping the way we live our lives (Simplilearn, 2020).
2. IoT is broadly used in many areas to eliminate the hard work for humans from wearables to smart
car, smart retailing, or even smart city. However, the best example for IoT would be smart home.
Many IoT devices and appliances are installed in a smart home for instance: coffee making
machine, smoke detector, thermostat, or the more relatable things like your A/C, water heater,…
They are conveniently managed by mobile applications in your smart phone, laptop remotely and
automatically. These connections are put together to make our lives easier and keep up with
current accelerated pace of life.
3. The ways these devices communicate with each other and to your apps has already been
addressed, but let’s have a closer look at implementation in a real life example: In the morning,
light-sensitive sensors will sense information and transfer it to the gateways, before processing it
to the cloud (or data center), where other devices can gather the same data. This is when
communications between devices happen. Practically, window curtains will open, coffee machine
gives you energy with a fresh cup of coffee, water heater is turned on so you can take a shower.
Daily activities have never been simpler. By gathering one piece of information, light- sensors
enable every home appliances to work simultaneously and serve many purposes.
4. To conclude all of this, the technological ability to encourage inanimate objects to communicate
with each other, exchange information, and interact, all in an effort to oil the wheels of every day
life.