WHAT IS INTERNET OF THINGS?
Internet of Things envisions a wide network of interlinked computing devices, including both
digital and mechanical devices. The connection between these devices is powered through the
internet where each device carries unique identifiers to communicate with other devices. These
“things” or objects are designed in such a way that they can engage in communications without
manual intervention. The linked network, where automation systems and connected devices
work together, provides a modern outlook for a futuristic world where data could be collected
and analyzed to perform the right action.
The term IoT is used primarily associated with devices that were not supposed to be con-
nected to the internet in the first place. For example, PCs, internet and laptops are known to have
an internet connection. On the other hand, a smartwatch can be considered as an IoT-powered
device.
BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO VARIOUS
TECHNOLOGIES USED IN IoT
There are various technologies involved in IoT. These technologies are placed at dierent tiers.
Every tier under a technology stack requires communication and integration with the rest of the
tiers of the existing stack. The stack of IoT is also known as the Thing Stack. The Thing Stack
comprises of three dierent technology tiers:
Sensors,
Microcontrollers and internet connectivity, and
Service platforms.
Micorcontrollers
Sensors
Internet
Connectivity
Service
Platforms
2 Internet of Things
Internet_of_Things_CH01_pp001-026.indd 2 9/3/2019 10:12:16 AM

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