How is the Hierarchical Structure of the Internet of Things Divided?
As an important part of the new generation of information technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) is gradually changing the way the world works.
It connects various objects to the Internet through information sensing devices such as radio frequency identification, infrared sensors, global positioning systems, laser scanners, etc., to achieve information exchange and communication, so as to achieve the purpose of intelligent identification, positioning, tracking, monitoring and management.
The hierarchical structure of the Internet of Things is the basis for it to achieve this function, which is crucial for understanding and designing the Internet of Things system. The following is a detailed division and introduction of the hierarchy of the Internet of Things. We explain the functions, roles and interrelationships of each layer.
Basic division of the hierarchy of the Internet of Things
The hierarchy of the Internet of Things is usually divided into three or four main layers, and the specific division method may vary slightly depending on different literature or application scenarios. The following are two common division methods:
Three-layer division method:
Perception layer, network layer, application layer.
Four-layer division method:
Perception layer, access layer (sometimes merged with network layer), network layer, application layer; or perception layer, network layer, platform management layer (data layer), application layer.
In practical applications, the four-layer division method may be more detailed and comprehensive, because it separates the functions of data processing and management into a dedicated layer – the platform layer (or data layer).
However, in order to maintain the coherence and simplicity of the discussion, the following will mainly focus on the three-layer division method, and will also introduce the relevant content of the four-layer division method.
Functions and roles of each layer
1. Perception layer
The perception layer is the “sense” of the Internet of Things, responsible for information collection and information transmission between objects. It is mainly composed of various sensors, RFID tags, cameras and other devices, which can perceive the state changes of the external environment or objects in real time, and convert these analog signals into digital signals for preliminary processing. Data collection at the perception layer is the basis of Internet of Things applications, and its accuracy and real-time performance directly affect the accuracy and efficiency of subsequent data processing.
Sensor:
Sensors are the core components of the perception layer, which can detect various physical quantities, such as temperature, humidity, light, pressure, etc., and convert these physical quantities into processable electrical signals or digital signals. With the continuous development of technology, the types and accuracy of sensors are constantly improving, and their intelligence and adaptive capabilities are also constantly increasing.
RFID tags:
RFID tags use radio waves to automatically identify and exchange data, providing unique identification for items in the Internet of Things. This enables the Internet of Things system to track and manage items more effectively.
Camera:
Cameras are used to capture image and video information, providing visual perception capabilities for the Internet of Things system. Cameras play an important role in smart homes, smart transportation and other fields.
The technology of the perception layer is developing rapidly. Not only are the types and accuracy of sensors constantly improving, but their intelligence and adaptive capabilities are also constantly increasing.
In the future, with the in-depth development of Internet of Things technology, the perception layer will pay more attention to the accurate collection and efficient transmission of data, providing more abundant data resources for Internet of Things applications.
2. Network layer
The network layer is the “nerve” of the Internet of Things, responsible for encoding, authenticating and transmitting the collected data using wireless and wired networks. This layer includes various communication networks, such as mobile communication networks, wireless local area networks, wired networks, etc., which together constitute the data transmission channel of the Internet of Things. The network layer needs to solve the security, reliability and real-time issues of data transmission to ensure that data can accurately and quickly reach the application layer for further processing.
Wireless communication technology:
Wireless communication technology is suitable for short-distance, low-power IoT scenarios, such as Bluetooth, WiFi, ZigBee, LoRa, etc. These technologies have the advantages of low power consumption, low cost, and easy deployment, and are suitable for smart homes, smart agriculture and other fields.
Mobile communication technology:
Mobile communication technology provides high-speed, large-capacity data transmission capabilities, supporting the access and remote communication of large-scale IoT devices. Mobile communication technologies such as 4G/5G provide strong support for applications that require high-speed data transmission, such as autonomous driving and telemedicine.
Network equipment and protocols:
The network layer also includes network equipment such as routers and switches, which are used to manage network connections and data flows, and realize data routing and forwarding. At the same time, the network layer also needs to follow various communication protocols and standards to ensure compatibility and interoperability between different devices and networks.
In the Internet of Things, the technology selection of the network layer is crucial. For low-power, wide-coverage IoT applications, LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) technologies such as NB-IoT and LoRa have become the first choice. For applications that require high-speed data transmission, high-speed mobile communication technologies such as 4G/5G are more preferred. In addition, the network layer also needs to consider the security of data, and use encryption, authentication and other technical means to ensure that data is not stolen or tampered with during transmission.
3. Platform layer (data layer/management layer)
In the four-layer division method, the platform layer (sometimes also called the data layer or management layer) is the core support part of the Internet of Things, responsible for storing, managing and analyzing data received from the network layer.
This layer uses cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence and other technologies to conduct in-depth mining and intelligent analysis of massive data to extract valuable information and insights. The platform layer provides functions such as data storage and query, data processing and analysis, data mining and intelligent decision-making, providing strong data support for upper-layer applications.
Data storage:
The platform layer needs to provide a stable and scalable data storage solution for the IoT system. This includes choosing the right database type (such as relational database, non-relational database, etc.) and storage architecture (such as distributed storage, cloud storage, etc.) to ensure data security and reliability.
Data processing:
The platform layer needs to clean, integrate and pre-process the received data to ensure data quality and consistency. This includes operations such as removing duplicate data, filling missing data, and correcting erroneous data.
Data analysis:
The platform layer uses big data analysis and artificial intelligence technology to conduct in-depth mining and intelligent analysis of massive data. This includes operations such as data clustering, classification, and prediction to extract valuable information and insights.
Device management:
The platform layer also needs to assume device management responsibilities, including operations such as device registration, authentication, monitoring, and troubleshooting. This helps ensure the stable operation and efficient management of the IoT system.
At present, many excellent IoT platforms have emerged in the market, such as Alibaba Cloud IoT Platform, Huawei IoT Platform, etc. They provide rich functions and services, greatly reducing the development threshold and cost of IoT applications.
If you need IoT project development and design, please contact IoT Cloud Platform (blog.iotcloudplatform.com), we have a strong IoT technical team.
(Note: In the three-layer division method, the functions of the platform layer are usually included in the network layer or application layer. But in order to more clearly explain the hierarchical structure of the IoT, it is introduced here as an independent layer.)
4. Application layer
The application layer is the highest level of the IoT system and the ultimate embodiment of the value of the IoT. It combines the data and services provided by the platform layer (or network layer) with specific business needs to develop various IoT applications, such as smart home, smart city, industrial Internet, etc.
The application layer requires not only rich functions and ease of use, but also good user experience and scalability to meet the needs and scenarios of different users.
Smart home:
Smart home is one of the important areas of IoT application. Through the smart home system, users can realize remote control, intelligent management and energy optimization of home devices. For example, control the lights, air conditioners, curtains and other equipment in the home through smartphones or voice assistants to improve the comfort and convenience of living.
Smart City:
Smart City is the application of IoT technology in the field of urban management and services. Through IoT technology, city managers can realize intelligent management and monitoring of urban infrastructure, transportation, environment and other aspects. For example, through the intelligent transportation system, traffic signals can be adjusted in real time and traffic flow can be optimized; through the environmental monitoring system, environmental indicators such as air quality and water quality can be monitored in real time to provide decision support for city managers.
Industrial Internet:
Industrial Internet is the application of IoT technology in the industrial field. Through IoT technology, enterprises can realize remote monitoring, fault warning and intelligent maintenance of production equipment. This helps to improve production efficiency, reduce operating costs and enhance the competitiveness of enterprises.
The application layer also provides a user-friendly interactive interface and intuitive data display method, so that users can easily obtain and use the functions and services of the IoT system. At the same time, the application layer also needs to consider data security and privacy protection issues, and ensure the security and privacy of user data through encryption, authentication and other technical means.
Relationship and collaboration between various levels
The various levels of the Internet of Things are not isolated, but work together and work together. They are closely connected through data flows to form a complete IoT ecosystem.
Perception layer and network layer:
The perception layer is responsible for data collection and identification, while the network layer is responsible for transmitting the data to the upper processing platform or application system. The collaboration between them ensures the accuracy and real-time nature of the data.
Network layer and platform layer:
The network layer transmits data to the platform layer for storage, management and analysis. The platform layer uses cloud computing, big data and other technologies to conduct in-depth mining and intelligent analysis of massive data, providing valuable data support for upper-layer applications. The collaboration between them ensures the reliability and efficiency of the data.
Platform layer and application layer:
The platform layer provides data support and service interfaces for the application layer, while the application layer uses these data and services to develop various IoT applications. The collaboration between them ensures the richness and scalability of the IoT system.
At the same time, the various layers also need to communicate and interact through standardized interfaces and protocols to achieve seamless docking and sharing of data. This hierarchical design not only improves the scalability and flexibility of the IoT system, but also reduces the cost of system construction and maintenance.
The significance of IoT hierarchical division in practical applications
The IoT hierarchical division is of great significance in practical applications. It helps to clearly understand the structure and function of the IoT system and provides clear guidance for system design and development. At the same time, hierarchical division also helps to realize the modular design of the IoT system, which is convenient for system expansion and upgrading. In addition, by clarifying the responsibilities and boundaries of each level, resources can be allocated and optimized more effectively, and the overall performance and efficiency of the system can be improved. Finally, hierarchical division also helps to improve the security and reliability of the IoT system. By implementing security measures and redundant design at different levels, the system’s anti-attack ability and fault tolerance are enhanced.
Development Trends and Challenges of IoT Technology
With the continuous advancement of IoT technology and the continuous expansion of application fields, the IoT will bring us a smarter and more convenient way of life and work. However, the IoT also faces many challenges in its development.
Development Trend:
- Intelligence: IoT technology will promote the intelligent development of smart homes, smart transportation, smart factories and other fields.
- Integration: IoT technology will integrate and innovate with other emerging technologies (such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, etc.) to form a more complete IoT ecosystem.
- Standardization: The standardization of IoT technology will become increasingly important to ensure compatibility and interoperability between different manufacturers and devices.
- Security: The security of the IoT system will become an important guarantee for its development, and more advanced security technologies and means are needed to ensure the security and privacy of user data.
Challenges:
- Data security: How to ensure the security and privacy of data in the IoT system.
- Sustainable development: The development of IoT technology will pay more attention to sustainable development. By optimizing energy management, reducing resource consumption and environmental pollution, we will promote the application of IoT technology in green energy, intelligent transportation and other fields, and promote the sustainable development of the economy and society.
Summary
The hierarchical structure within the IoT can be divided into the perception layer, network layer (or access layer), platform management layer (or data layer) and application layer. Each layer is interdependent and interacts with each other, forming a complete architecture of the IoT system, realizing the deep integration of the physical world and the digital world, and bringing intelligent changes to all walks of life.
IoT cloud platform provides you with IoT advertising alliance services.
If you have IoT products to market, please contact us. We provide you with IoT manuscript writing services, and at the same time help your IoT products get ranking exposure in the global market, thereby increasing IoT brand awareness. .
