Cisco Confidential 23: Connecting IoT Devices to the Network

Home Gateway and IoT Devices

• The Home Gateway device acts as a local connection to IoT smart devices, providing Internet access, wireless connectivity, and local logic for smart devices.
• The Home Gateway provides an IoT registration service that is always turned on and an auto-discovery service for devices in the local Ethernet and wireless network.
• Users can control and monitor connected smart devices from their smartphone, tablet, or PC.

Future of Networks

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) enables devices to "think" on their own.
• Intent-Based Networking (IBN) allows software to configure network infrastructure and security features based on defined rules or intent.
• Example: A business defines access rules for a contract employee, and IBN automatically configures network devices to fulfill this requirement.

Digital Transformation and Networks

• Digital Transformation is the application of digital technology to innovate business and industry.
• Networks form the foundation of the digitized world.
• Networks include: PAN, LAN, WAN, Internet, Wireless, Fog computing, and The Cloud.
• The Internet of Things (IoT) connects millions of smart devices and sensors to the Internet.

Sensors, Controllers, and Actuators

• Sensors are everywhere, collecting data used by governments, cities, businesses, and individuals to effect changes.
• Sensors connect to controllers using wireless connections, which collect data and send it for storage or analysis.
• Controllers work with actuators, which take electrical input and transform it into physical action.

Network Types

• Local Area Network (LAN): Networks in a small geographic area, such as a home or small business.
• Wide Area Networks (WANs): A collection of LANs that provides inter-LAN and Internet connectivity.
• Internet: A multi-layer global network system that connects hundreds of millions of computers.
• Wireless Networks: Use electromagnetic waves to carry signals over the network.
• The Cloud: Data centers or groups of connected servers used to store and analyze data, provide access to online applications, and provide backup services.
• Personal Area Network (PAN): Connecting devices, such as smartphones, using Bluetooth.
• The Edge: The physical "edge" of a corporate network.
• Fog Computing: Data from IoT devices is pre-processed at the edge of the network.