Internet of Things (IoT) Architecture: Challenges and Future

With the progress of time, a lot of new emerging technologies have started taking over the world to shape the future. The addition of new technologies is happening every minute; these changes and additions have made our daily lives better. IoT Architecture is one of the technologies that has been shaping the global village. Over the past few years, the Internet of Technology (IoT) has created a lot of buzzes all over the world, and it has progressed a lot in a short period of time, both from a software and hardware point of view.

It has allowed users to be able to experience a lot of different stuff from individual to business level without putting in much of an effort. The Internet of Things is growing more and more as the businesses are growing and people are relying on it more and more with the passage of time. You must be thinking, what is IoT Architecture? If you are trying to find everything about IoT Architecture, then this is the right place for you since we have got it all covered for you. So, let’s dive in.

IoT Architecture

Have you ever thought about all the devices being controlled under one medium, more like a “brain”? If yes, then to a certain point, IoT Architecture is the answer to your question. The linkage of physical stuff with sensors, actuators, data, and software connectivity, through the evolvement of IoT Architecture which allows objects to gather information and transmit it to users for fulfilling the tasks. Even though it might sound easy, a lot of components work together to build a properly working IoT Architecture that can be fully implemented. Each component has a role assigned to it.

 Layers of IoT Architecture

While depending on the implementation, each IoT Architecture can be different, but every IoT Architecture should have enough protocols to open up for supporting multiple functions at a given moment. The question here is, “how many layers does an IoT Architecture has? “ The layers in each IoT Architecture differs from one another. It can be from 3 to 5 layers depending upon the implementations and functions of the IoT Architecture. Following are the basic layers:

Physical Layer: 

The lowest layer of the model is the Physical layer. It senses the physical parameters to gather the information from the environment or for identifying the objects.

Network Layer:

This layer serves as the connector between all the devices, servers, and networks. The transmission of data and processing happens in this layer.

Middleware Layer:

Based on the device, this layer names the data appropriately have. It has some advanced features like storage, computation, processing, and action taking capabilities. It can also take decisions based on the data-sets.

Application Layer:

For delivering the specific application services to the user, the application layer is used. IoT can be deployed in devices like smart cities, smart homes, etc.

Business Layer:

The success of any business depends only on the technology that is used in it as well as on the fact that how it is delivered to the users. Business Layer makes sure that the IoT Architecture is a success for the business. It involves the making of flowcharts, graphs, analysis of results, and how to improve a device, etc.

Stages of IoT Device Architecture

IoT Architecture platform is often defined as a process with four stages. In these stages, the data is gathered, processed, transmitted using sensors in networks, analysed, and stored in devices. Following are the stages of IoT system Architecture;

Sensor and Actuators

The process of IoT start with sensors and actuators. While sensors collect the actual data and process it into useful information, actuators can change the physical conditions of the data processing. This stage covers everything from the robotic camera system to heart rate measurement.

• Internet Gateway and DAS

At this stage, the DAS collects the raw data from sensors and converts it into digital form from analogue. The data is then forwarded for next stage processing via internet gateways or WAN.

• Edge IT

The data is ready to cross the realm of IT once it is processed and aggregated, but the volume still needs to be reduced for the data to be uploaded to the cloud or data centres. Edge IT helps in the reduction of data volume and to place it near the sensors for each data access.

• Data Centre and Cloud

It is the last process and takes a lot of time. After the initial processing, the data needs more in-depth processing. The data is analysed, managed, and securely stored using a powerful IT system. The type of processing done at this stage stays the same, regardless of the system.

How can IoT Architecture Help Our Business?

Almost every aspect of our life generates and uses data from smart watches counting our steps to smartphones showing our locations. Ultimately, the IoT has been becoming a part of our everyday lives, and it has been transforming the perspective of people regarding technology. Every business has integrated different devices, and taking total control of devices isn’t as easy as it seems, even during a radius. We aren’t talking about using IoT for talking to cars but to recognise the reality of the connected devices.

IoT gathers real-time data of the devices from multiple resources. Gathering data from the daily activities and hobbies of users, the companies can benefit from it. The data from the homes, offices, hobbies and other places of users can help to know the interests better and to know them to a great deal. IoT can help to get better feedback on your website in the real-time. The diversity of information from various resources can be useful for the businesses as it can help your business to make better decisions regarding the demands of the multiple people. The Internet of Things can be beneficial for your business in various aspects if you know how to use it properly and keep the security in check.

Why Hire a Consultant for Your Business IoT Structure?

While we talked about all the benefits and the working of IoT Architecture, we also mentioned that it is not as easy as it looks, and with the technological advancements, cybercrimes have progressed too. A business is like a baby for the founders, and no one wants any harm for their baby. While you must be thinking about why you should hire a consultant for your business IoT Architecture? Let us explain that to you.

IoT offers a huge deal for companies while working as a bridge between the internet and the physical world. IoT consulting helps a company to go smoothly through the processing, analysing, planning, designing, and implementing it to devices. It helps businesses to mark and modernize their means of production. Following are some of the key services of having a consultant for your company IoT Structure:

• Development consulting: Regarding the assets and interests of the company, the development of specific IoT systems, applications, or systems for the progress of the business.
• Application Consulting: Everything about the development of customized applications, web or mobile app results at this point. The best practices regarding efficiency, user experience, data conversion, etc., are also done in this consultation.
• Cloud Consulting: Consultants help with the use of cloud-based platforms and help to secure the data of companies on these platforms.

The consultant takes care of your business for you at each and every step. This way, the business that is at the initial stage can step into the world of the Internet of Things with complete security without the fear of getting into cyber fraud. The consultant will help your business to grow in the world of technology, and if you are worried about the cost, then don’t because it won’t cost you must, and your business will furnish like never before.