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Layers of IoT - Lower Stack
IoT architecture typically consists of several layers, each serving a specific function in the overall system. These layers can be broadly divided into the lower stack and the upper stack.
The lower stack focuses on the physical and network aspects of IoT systems. It includes the following layers:
Physical Devices and Sensors:
Devices and sensors that collect data from the environment. Examples: Smart thermostats, industrial sensors, wearable health monitors.
Device Hardware and Firmware:
Microcontrollers, processors, and firmware that manage device operations. Ensures proper functioning and communication of IoT devices.
Connectivity and Network Layer:
Communication protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, etc.) that transmit data. Network hardware like routers and gateways that facilitate data transmission.
Edge Computing:
Edge devices that process data locally to reduce latency and bandwidth usage. Edge analytics for real-time decision-making without relying on cloud processing.
Power Management:
Battery technologies and energy harvesting methods to power IoT devices. Ensures prolonged operational life of remote and portable devices.