Internet of Things (IoT) is the networking of physical objects that contain electronics embedded within their architecture to communicate and sense interactions amongst each other or to the external environment. Internet of Things (IoT) technology has a wide range of applications and the use of the Internet of Things is growing so faster. In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 Layer architecture of the Internet of Things.
What is an Internet of Things(IoT)?
Internet of Things (IoT) includes many smart devices connected to a broad Internet network with the help of various networking technologies. Mostly these technologies are wireless. This makes the structure more complex and difficult to manage. Therefore, architecture is required. An architecture is a structure for the specification of a network's physical components and their functional organization and configuration, its operational principles and procedures, and data formats used in its operation. The development of IoT depends on the technologies used, application areas, and business aspects. There are various IoT architectures are available for IoT devices. However, the "5 Layer Architecture is considered as the best-proposed architecture of IoT."
5 Layer Architecture of IoT
1. Perception Layer
This is the first layer of IoT architecture. In the perception layer, a number of sensors and actuators are used to gather useful information like temperature, moisture content, intruder detection, sounds, etc. The main function of this layer is to get information from surroundings and to pass data to another layer so that some actions can be done based on that information.
2. Network Layer
As the name suggests, it is the connecting layer between perception and middleware layer. It gets data from perception layer and passes data to middleware layer using networking technologies like 3G, 4G, UTMS, Wifi, infrared, etc. This is also called communication layer because it is responsible for communication between perception and middleware layer. All the transfer of data done securely keeping the obtained data confidential.
3. Middleware Layer
Middleware Layer has some advanced features like storage, computation, processing, action taking capabilities. It stores all data-set and based on the device address and name it gives appropriate data to that device. It can also take decisions based on calculations done on data-set obtained from sensors.
4. Application Layer
The application layer manages all application process based on information obtained from middleware layer. This application involves sending emails, activating alarm, security system, turn on or off a device, smartwatch, smart agriculture, etc.
5. Business Layer
The success of any device does not depend only on technologies used in it but also how it is being delivered to its consumers. Business layer does these tasks for the device. It involves making flowcharts, graphs, analysis of results, and how device can be improved, etc.
Advantages of IoT
- Execute multiple tasks at a time like a computer.
- Easiest internet connectivity
- Works on GUI (Graphical User Interface) mode because of HDMI port.
- Best suited for server-based applications i.e., can be connected via SSH–Secure Shell-to access the Rpi command line remotely and file sharing via FTP–File Transfer Protocol.
- More reliable for software applications.
Disadvantages of IoT
- Security concerns and potential for hacking or data breaches.
- Privacy issues related to the collection and use of personal data.
- Dependence on technology and potential for system failures.
- Limited standardization and interoperability among devices.
- Complexity and increased maintenance requirements.
- High initial investment costs.
- Limited battery life on some devices.
- Concerns about job displacement due to automation.
- Limited regulation and legal framework for IoT, which can lead to confusion and uncertainty.
Modern Applications of IoT
- Smart Grids and energy saving
- Smart cities
- Smart homes/Home automation
- Healthcare
- Earthquake detection
- Radiation detection/hazardous gas detection
- Smartphone detection
- Water flow monitoring
- Traffic monitoring
- Smart door lock protection system
- Robots and Drones
- Healthcare and Hospitals, Telemedicine applications
- Biochip Transponders (For animals in farms)
- Heart monitoring implants (Example Pacemaker, ECG real time tracking)
Conclusion
The Internet of Things (IoT) is an important technology that allows physical devices to connect and interact with one another and their surroundings via embedded electronics. The IoT architecture, which consists of Sensing, Network, Data Processing, and Application layers, allows for the seamless collecting, analysis, and utilization of data. While IoT provides various benefits, such as increased automation, efficiency, and the capacity to complete multiple jobs at the same time, it also introduces security threats, privacy concerns, and high initial expenses.