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Unit 10.6

The Internet of Things (IoT)

IT 231: IT and Application

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • ✅ Define the Internet of Things (IoT).
  • ✅ Describe how an IoT system works.
  • ✅ Provide examples of IoT applications.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical objects—“things”—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet.

  • It's a giant network of "smart" devices.
  • These devices collect and share data from the world around us.
  • The goal: to make our environments smarter and more responsive.

The Core Idea of IoT

Physical World

Objects, environments, people

Digital World

Data, analysis, actions

🌉

IoT is the bridge between the physical and digital worlds.

How an IoT System Works: A 4-Step Process

1. Sensors/Devices 📡

Collect data from the physical world (e.g., temperature, motion).

3. Data Processing ☁️

Data is processed in the cloud to extract meaningful information.

2. Connectivity 📶

Send the collected data to the internet via Wi-Fi, Cellular, or Bluetooth.

4. User Interface/Action ⚡

Information is presented to the user or an action is triggered automatically.

How it Works: Smart Thermostat Example

  • 1. Sensor: The thermostat's sensor detects the room temperature is 18°C.
  • 2. Connectivity: It sends this data ("18°C") to the cloud via your home Wi-Fi.
  • 3. Processing: A cloud service checks your setting (e.g., "keep at 21°C") and sees 18°C is too low.
  • 4. Action: The cloud sends a command back to the thermostat: "Turn on the heat." 🔥

Major Applications of IoT

🏡 Smart Home

Thermostats, smart bulbs, security cameras, and smart speakers that learn your habits.

⌚ Wearables

Smartwatches and fitness trackers monitoring health metrics like heart rate and daily steps.

🏙️ Smart Cities

Connected traffic lights, smart parking meters, and efficient waste management systems.

Practical Application: IoT in Nepal

  • 💧 Water Management: Smart meters in Kathmandu to monitor water usage and detect leaks, helping conserve a precious resource.
  • 🏔️ Agriculture: Soil moisture sensors to help farmers in the Terai region optimize irrigation and improve crop yields.
  • ⚡ Energy: Monitoring of remote hydropower stations to predict maintenance needs and prevent outages.
  • 🚗 Smart Parking: Systems to guide drivers to empty parking spots in busy urban areas like New Road.

🔍 Discussion Point

Potential Risks

What are the potential privacy risks of having so many connected devices in our homes and cities?

Privacy Concerns 🔒

  • Vast amounts of personal data collected
  • Unauthorized data access
  • Data used for profiling

Security Threats 🛡️

  • Hacked devices
  • Devices used in botnet attacks
  • Potential for physical disruption

Summary & Key Takeaways

  • 🎯 IoT is a network of physical objects embedded with sensors to connect and exchange data over the internet.
  • 📊 IoT systems follow a 4-step process: Collect (Sensors), Connect (Connectivity), Process (Cloud), and Act (Interface/Action).
  • ⚡ Major applications include smart homes, wearables, and smart cities, with growing use in Nepal for agriculture and resource management.

Thank You!

Any questions?

Next Topic: Cloud Computing Fundamentals

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