10 - Internet of Things

Question 1

Internet of Things (IoT)

Answer 1

The Internet of Things is a self configuring, adaptive, and complex network that interconnects ’things’ with a physical and virtual representation over the Internet,
based on standard communication protocols

Question 2

Essential Characteristics of IoT (11)

Answer 2

1. Interconnection of things
2. Connection of things to the Internet
3. Uniquely identifiable things
4. Ubiquity
5. Sensing (and actuation) capabilities
6. Embedded intelligence
7. Interoperable communication capability
8. Self configurability
9. Programmability

Question 3

1. Interconnection of things

Answer 3

• Any Internet of Things interconnects “things” with
  each other
• A “thing” can be any physical object that is of relevance for users of the Internet of Things
• Example: Smart lights can be connected to Amazon’s Echo in order to be controlled via voice commands

Question 4

2. Connection of things to the Internet

Answer 4

• The Internet of Things is neither an intranet nor an extranet
• Any physical object (“thing”) in the Internet of Things is
  connected to the Internet
• Example: Amazon’s Echo is connected to the Amazon
  Cloud

Question 5

3. Uniquely identifiable things

Answer 5

• Each and every physical object connected to the
  Internet of Things possesses a virtual representation
• Each and every object is uniquely identifiable
• Example: Every Echo has its own MAC address to
  uniquely identify them over the Internet

Question 6

4. Ubiquity

Answer 6

• The network is available at any time and from
  everywhere, when needed
• Example: No matter where your Echo is placed in your
  house, it is always connected to the Internet

Question 7

5. Sensing (and actuation) capabilities

Answer 7

• The physical objects connected to the Internet of
  Things possess at least some sensing capabilities
• Many physical objects also possess actuation
  capabilities, allowing them to interact with the environment
• Example: Your Echo senses the acoustic waves when you speak and is able to control your smart lights
  by that

Question 8

6. Embedded intelligence

Answer 8

• Physical objects in the Internet of Things possess
  some form of embedded intelligence (although often
  only rudimentary)
• That enables them to act as extensions to the human
  body and mind
• Example: Your Echo contains many different micro chips

Question 9

7. Interoperable communication capability

Answer 9

• The Internet of Things allows for communication based on standardized and interoperable protocols
• Example: Your Echo is able to control your smart lights
  via the ZigBee communication protocol