What are the roles of building and functional blocks of IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the connection of devices, machines, and sensors connected in a network to the Internet. It comprises four basic building blocks: sensors, processors, gateways, and applications. It is the foundation of the IoT ecosystem. Companies use IoT to enhance their productivity and boost their revenues.
The building blocks of IoT are -
- Sensors
These are the front end of the IoT devices. Its main task is to get the relevant data from its surroundings and pass it further to databases or processing systems. It can either work autonomously or be user-controlled.
Examples include gas sensors, water quality sensors, moisture sensors, etc.
- Processors
It is the brain of the IoT system. Its main job is to process raw data collected by the sensors and transform them into meaningful information and knowledge. Devices like microcontrollers, embedded hardware devices, etc can process the data using processors attached to the devices.
- Gateways
It is responsible for routing the processed data and transferring it to proper databases or network storage for proper utilization. Examples include LAN, WAN, PAN, etc.
- Applications
Applications collect and provide an interface for users to interact with that data. These applications could be cloud-based and are responsible for rendering data collected. These are user controllable and are delivery points of particular services.
Examples include smart home apps, security system control applications, industrial control hub applications, etc.
The logical design of IoT is the actual design of how its components (computers, sensors, and actuators) arranged together to deliver a function.
The functional blocks are responsible for sensing, verification, actuation, management, and communication of the IoT ecosystem. These are made up of devices that handle interactions between a web server and the client. These enable controls and monitoring functions, manage data transfer, secure the IoT system through authentication, and offer an interface for monitoring and managing.
The functional blocks of IoT are
- Sensor/Actuator block
This is the data entry point in an IoT system. Sensors collect data from their surroundings. It gathers data on temperature, humidity, light, motion, and other variables.
Actuators drive physical processes. It turns on lights, opens doors, and controls machines. Both sensors and actuators work together to collect data and operate in the physical world.
- Connectivity Block
After the sensor/actuator block has collected data, it is sent to the remainder of the system. The connectivity block is responsible for creating and managing communication channels amongst IoT system devices. Several technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and cellular networks are also used here.
- Data Processing Block
Here the obtained data is examined and processed. This block is responsible
for filtering out noise and irrelevant data, converting the relevant data into an easily studied format. This block recognizes patterns and anomalies in the data. It also executes real-time analysis which enables speedy data-driven decisions.
- Application Block
This block gives value to the end user. It is responsible for utilizing the processed data and providing a specified function or service. It can also be used to provide insights into energy usage in a building or to adjust the temperature in a greenhouse.
- Security Block
It is responsible for assuring the IoT system’s security and protection against illegal access. The other functions include authentication, authorization, and data encryption during transmission and storage.
- Management Block
It is responsible for looking after the overall operation of the IoT system. It also handles device configuration, firmware updates, and system monitoring. It can also give analytics and reporting. This allows system administrators to understand how the system is operating and improve accordingly.