Introduction to IoT

Introduction to IoT

What is IoT?

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects — “things” — that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. This technology enables these devices to collect and share data, perform automated tasks, and make decisions without requiring human intervention. These devices range from ordinary household objects to sophisticated industrial tools.

What technologies have made IoT possible?

While the idea of IoT has been in existence for a long time, a collection of recent advances in several different technologies has made it practical.

  • Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs): WSNs are a collection of small, low-power, wireless devices that can be deployed in large numbers to monitor and gather data about a specific environment or system.

  • Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID): RFID tags are small, wireless devices that use radio waves to communicate with a reader. They are used to track and identify objects and people in various settings, such as supply chain management, retail, and healthcare.

  • Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communication: M2M communication allows devices to communicate with each other without human intervention. This technology enables devices to share data and take actions based on that data.

  • Cloud Computing: Cloud computing provides a scalable and flexible platform for storing, processing, and analyzing the massive amounts of data generated by IoT devices.

  • Big Data Analytics: Big data analytics is used to process and analyze large volumes of data generated by IoT devices. It allows organizations to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions based on the data.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML are used to develop intelligent IoT systems that can learn and adapt based on the data they collect. This technology enables IoT devices to make predictions, optimize processes, and automate tasks.

IoT devices can be hacked to become "zombies" in botnet attacks: A new type of botnet attack was discovered in 2022 that targets IoT devices, using them to launch large-scale distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. In this attack, hackers infect IoT devices with malware that turns them into "zombies," which can then be controlled remotely to launch coordinated DDoS attacks.

What is an Embedded System?

An embedded system is a computer system — a combination of a computer processor, computer memory, and input/output peripheral devices — that has a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electronic system. It is embedded as part of a complete device often including electrical or electronic hardware and mechanical parts. Because an embedded system typically controls the physical operations of the machine that it is embedded within, it often has real-time computing constraints.

Cybersecurity threats to embedded systems are on the rise: As embedded systems become more connected and integrated into the internet of things (IoT), they are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Recent research has shown that embedded systems are at risk of various types of cybersecurity threats, including malware, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and data breaches. This has prompted an increased focus on cybersecurity in the design and implementation of embedded systems.

Embedded systems are being used in space exploration: Embedded systems are being used in space exploration to help collect and transmit data from space missions. For example, NASA's Mars rovers are equipped with embedded systems that control their movement, collect data on the Martian environment, and transmit this data back to Earth. Additionally, embedded systems are being used in satellites to collect and transmit data on weather patterns, climate change, and other environmental factors. The use of embedded systems in space exploration is expected to continue to grow in the coming years as space exploration becomes more advanced and sophisticated.

References

What is IoT? - ORACLE

Internet of Things - WIKIPEDIA

Embedded System - WIKIPEDIA