Introduction to IoT: Lecture 1

Study Notes

IoT represents the third wave of Internet evolution, connecting a vast array of objects together.
Connected objects are termed as "smart objects," which possess sensing, actuation capabilities, processing power, and communication means.

Categories of smart mobile devices include smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches.
Smartphones integrate communication, computing, and sensor functionalities.

Smartphones include features like talking, texting, and internet access.
Equipped with various sensors: accelerometer, compass, GPS, microphone, camera, and proximity sensors, allowing interaction with the physical world.
Growth in smartphone sensors is notable in each generation, enhancing their capabilities.

Main types of wireless networks: Wi-Fi (802.11), cellular networks (e.g., Sprint), Bluetooth, and Near Field Communications (NFC).
NFC examples include mobile payment systems, where a device can be swiped to initiate payment.

WLAN can deliver speeds of 600Mbps over a range of up to 45m with a power consumption of 100mW, primarily for internet access.
LTE (4G) offers speeds from 12-5Mbps over 35km at higher power consumption (300-120mW) for mobile internet.
Bluetooth ranges from 1-3Mbps at a distance of up to 100m, suitable for audio streaming and headsets.
Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) works at 1Mbps with a greater range, ideal for wearables and fitness tracking.
NFC operates at 400kbps over 20cm, commonly used for mobile payments.

Mobile computing implies human computing while on the move, relying on constant network connectivity.
Points of connection can vary (e.g., cell towers, Wi-Fi access points).
Human initiation is required for activities, while the wireless network remains passive.

Location-aware applications utilize location as an important input, influencing the output based on the user's geographical position.
Different locations can lead to different outputs, as seen in mapping applications where the service adjusts results based on user location.

Location-aware apps must exhibit varied behavior/output depending on user location; for example, a mobile Yelp app finds nearby restaurants.
Truly mobile applications like Word Lens translate signs, adapting functionality based on location.
Non-location-aware apps provide the same output regardless of location changes; examples include generic banking apps or diet recording apps.

Some mobile applications, such as Yahoo Mail, may not be location-aware, while transportation apps like Uber are inherently designed to change based on user location.