← Back to blog

IoT Architecture

IoT Functions

Nov 4, 2024

A breakdown of the main functional layers of IoT systems from hardware to cloud applications.

IoT systems are built from multiple functional layers that work together. Each layer has a specific role, starting from device hardware and ending with the application used by the end user.

The main functional layers of IoT are:

  • Device Hardware
  • Device Software
  • Communications
  • Cloud Platform
  • Cloud Application

Layer 1 - Device Hardware

IoT devices and embedded systems include physical components that allow the system to sense, actuate, process, and communicate.

  • Sensors and actuators.
  • Microcontrollers and microprocessors.
  • Analog and digital input/output interfaces.
  • Antennas, displays, buttons, and communication ports.
IoT sensors examples
Examples of sensors used in IoT systems.
Arduino and Raspberry Pi boards
Examples of development boards used for prototyping IoT and embedded systems.

Hardware infrastructure may also include gateways, routers, switches, and other networking devices.

IoT gateway device
Example of an IoT gateway device used to connect devices to networks or cloud platforms.

Layer 2 - Device Software

IoT devices can run firmware, embedded software, or lightweight operating systems to manage tasks, hardware resources, and communication.

Common IoT operating systems include:

  • LiteOS
  • TinyOS
  • RIOT OS
  • FreeRTOS
  • Contiki OS
  • Ubuntu Core
  • Windows IoT
IoT operating systems examples
Examples of operating systems used in IoT and embedded systems.
NodeOS operating system
Example of a software environment used in some IoT applications.
Windows IoT operating system
Windows IoT is one of the software options for selected IoT applications.

Layer 3 - Communications

IoT devices communicate with other devices, gateways, or cloud platforms using different communication technologies. The choice depends on range, power consumption, data rate, cost, and reliability requirements.

  • Ethernet
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth
  • ZigBee
  • LTE / 2G / 3G / 4G / Cellular Networks
  • LTE-M / NB-IoT
  • LoRaWAN / Sigfox
IoT communication technologies
Examples of communication technologies used in IoT systems.

Layer 4 - Cloud Platform

Cloud platforms provide centralized computing resources, database storage, device management, analytics, and secure access to data.

Examples of cloud platforms used in IoT include:

  • Amazon Web Services - AWS
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Google Cloud
  • IBM Cloud
  • Oracle Cloud Infrastructure
Microsoft Azure IoT cloud platform
Microsoft Azure can be used as a cloud platform for connecting and managing IoT devices.

Layer 5 - Cloud Application

Cloud applications sit at the top layer of the IoT system. They provide the user interface that allows users to monitor data, control devices, and view analytics results.

  • Dashboards.
  • Charts and graphs.
  • Real-time readings.
  • Analytics and AI models.
  • Alerts and reports.
IoT dashboard application
Example of an IoT dashboard showing temperature, humidity, water level, and system status.

Summary

IoT functions can be understood as connected layers: hardware, device software, communication, cloud platform, and cloud application. Understanding these layers helps in designing IoT systems that are organized, scalable, and easier to maintain.