IoT Architecture

The architecture of IoT is a four-step process through which data flows

from devices connected to sensors, through a network, and then through
the cloud for processing, analysis, and storage

1. SensingLayer
The sensing layer is the first layer of the IoT architecture and is
responsible for collecting data from different sources. This layer
includes sensors and actuators that are placed in the environment to
gather information about temperature, humidity, light, sound, and
other physical parameters. These devices are connected to the network
layer through wired or wireless communication protocols.
2. NetworkLayer –
The network layer of an IoT architecture is responsible for providing
communication and connectivity between devices in the IoT system. It
 includes protocols and technologies that enable devices to connect and
communicate with each other and with the wider internet. Examples of
network technologies that are commonly used in IoT include WiFi,
Bluetooth, Zigbee, and cellular networks such as 4G and 5G.
Additionally, the network layer may include gateways and routers that
act as intermediaries between devices and the wider internet, and may
also include security features such as encryption and authentication to
protect against unauthorized access.
3. Dataprocessing Layer
The data processing layer of IoT architecture refers to the software and
hardware components that are responsible for collecting, analyzing,
and interpreting data from IoT devices. This layer is responsible for
receiving raw data from the devices, processing it, and making it
available for further analysis or action.The data processing layer
includes a variety of technologies and tools, such as data management
systems, analytics platforms, and machine learning algorithms. These
tools are used to extract meaningful insights from the data and make
decisions based on that data.Example of a technology used in the data
processing layer is a data lake, which is a centralized repository for
storing raw data from IoT devices.
4. ApplicationLayer –
The application layer of IoT architecture is the topmost layer that
interacts directly with the end-user. It is responsible for providing
user-friendly interfaces and functionalities that enable users to access
and control IoT devices.This layer includes various software and
applications such as mobile apps, web portals, and other user
interfaces that are designed to interact with the underlying IoT
infrastructure. It also includes middleware services that allow different
IoT devices and systems to communicate and share data
seamlessly.The application layer also includes analytics and processing
capabilities that allow data to be analyzed and transformed into
meaningful insights. This can include machine learning algorithms,
data visualization tools, and other advanced analytics capabilities.

What are the Components of IoT?

IoT has mainly two components, IoT hardware, and IoT software. The
hardware component consists of devices, such as sensors, servers, a
gateway or an edge, and microcontrollers. On the other hand, the software
component comprises the software and applications associated with the
web or mobile.
The software component works towards data collection and analysis,
device integration, application of data into the device, and process
extension. The various components of hardware and software further
break down as follows −

 Sensors − sensors are the soul of the Internet of Things. These are
the hardware components that sense data by interacting with the
environment. Some examples of sensors are thermostats,
microphones, etc.
 Actuators − Actuators are also hardware components meant to
transform energy into motion. An electric motor is an example of an
actuator in IoT.
 Gateway − A gateway is a software component meant to connect the
various components of IoT devices to interact and share information.
 Data Analysis is another essential software component for handling
and analyzing data. The sensors' data may need to be more
understandable and interpretable. Hence, data analytics transforms
incoming data into an easily processable format.
 Artificial Intelligence − IoT devices also leverage the perks of
Artificial intelligence to understand the system well. It allows the
developers to control the various aspects of IoT devices and make the
best out of them.
 Cloud computing − Cloud computing allows us to handle the data
collected by sensors in an advanced way. It stores a large amount of
incoming data on the cloud, an online data hub, to process it more
conveniently.
 Interface − Finally comes the user interface. It is the medium
through which the users can access and control the working of IoT
devices.

Advantages

The advantages of IoT are as follows −

 Cost Reduction − IOT devices catch any problem very fast as

compared to traditional troubleshooting. It not only saves time but
also saves costs of large repairs.
  Efficiency and Productivity − An automated PDF conversion and
creation tool will remove the hustle of PDF editing and archiving.
Hence, increase in Efficiency and Productivity.
 Business Opportunities − IOT provides advanced analytics, smart
utility grids which help Small Management Businesses to provide
more valuable content and things to their customers.
 Customer Experience − Nowadays customer's experience is the
most valuable thing in running a business. IoT has drastically
increased the customer's experience. An example of customer
experience is Home Automation. Since everything is connected,
customers need not have to worry about appliances. One can turn off
the appliance through mobile.
 Mobility and Agility − With the help of IoT, employees can do their
work from any geographical location, anytime without any
restrictions.
Disadvantages

The disadvantages of IoT are as follows −

 Security − The data is travelling all over the Internet. So maintaining

its privacy is still a Big Challenge. End-to-end Encryption is a must in
IoT.
 Compatibility − There is no International Standard for the
monitoring of the equipment.
 Complexity − Most of the devices still contain some software bugs.
Each device must be able to seamlessly interact with other devices in
the network.
 Safety − Suppose a patient is left unattended by a doctor. And some
notorious guy changes the prescription or Health monitoring devices
malfunctioned. Then it can result in the death of the patient.
 Policies − Government authorities must take some steps to make
policies and standards related to IoT to stop the Black marketing of
IoT devices.