Detailed explanation of IoT Levels and Deployment Templates

Introduction

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing industries by connecting devices, sensors, and systems to collect and exchange data. IoT implementations vary based on their architecture, scale, and deployment models. To streamline the development and implementation of IoT systems, different IoT levels and deployment templates have been defined to guide businesses and developers.

This article explores various IoT levels and their corresponding deployment templates, helping you understand how to choose the right architecture for your IoT solution.

IoT Levels

IoT systems can be categorized into different levels based on complexity, functionality, and infrastructure. Each level has specific components such as sensors, gateways, cloud computing, and analytics. Below are the main IoT levels:

1. Perception Level (Sensing Layer)

• Function: The lowest level, responsible for collecting raw data from physical objects.
• Components: Sensors, RFID tags, actuators, GPS modules, and cameras.
• Example: Temperature sensors monitoring environmental conditions in smart agriculture.

2. Network Level (Communication Layer)

• Function: Transfers collected data from sensors to cloud or local processing units.
• Components: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, and 5G networks.
• Example: Smart home devices using Wi-Fi or Zigbee to communicate with a central hub.

3. Edge Computing Level (Edge/Fog Layer)

• Function: Processes data near the source before sending it to the cloud, reducing latency.
• Components: Edge servers, IoT gateways, microcontrollers (Raspberry Pi, ESP32, etc.).
• Example: Industrial IoT systems analyzing machine health at the factory floor before sending insights to the cloud.

4. Cloud Level (Data Processing Layer)

• Function: Stores, processes, and analyzes data on cloud-based platforms.
• Components: IoT platforms like AWS IoT, Google Cloud IoT, Microsoft Azure IoT.
• Example: Smart city traffic management using cloud-based AI algorithms to analyze road congestion.

5. Application Level (User Interface Layer)

• Function: Provides actionable insights, alerts, and controls to end-users via dashboards and mobile apps.
• Components: Web applications, mobile apps, APIs, data visualization tools.
• Example: A smart thermostat app that allows users to control home temperature remotely.

IoT Deployment Templates

Different IoT use cases require specific deployment architectures. Here are common IoT deployment templates used across industries:

1. Basic IoT Deployment (Single Node Model)

• Description: A simple IoT setup where sensors collect data and send it directly to a cloud platform.
• Use Case: Smart home automation (e.g., a smart plug sending data to a mobile app).
• Advantage: Easy to implement, low-cost.

2. IoT with Gateway Deployment (Multi-node Model)

• Description: IoT devices connect to a local gateway, which processes data before sending it to the cloud.
• Use Case: Smart agriculture (e.g., soil moisture sensors sending data to an edge gateway before cloud analysis).
• Advantage: Reduces cloud bandwidth usage and latency.

3. Edge Computing-Based IoT Deployment

• Description: Edge nodes process data locally before uploading only relevant information to the cloud.
• Use Case: Industrial automation (e.g., predictive maintenance in manufacturing plants).
• Advantage: Reduces response time and enhances real-time processing.

4. Hybrid IoT Deployment

• Description: A combination of edge computing and cloud computing for optimized performance.
• Use Case: Smart cities (e.g., streetlights managed locally but monitored via cloud dashboards).
• Advantage: Balances performance, cost, and scalability.

5. Decentralized IoT Deployment (Blockchain + IoT)

• Description: Uses blockchain to create a decentralized and secure IoT network.
• Use Case: Secure supply chain tracking (e.g., monitoring product authenticity with blockchain).
• Advantage: Enhances security and prevents data tampering.

6 IoT Levels and Deployment Templates of IoT

IoT Level-1

• A level-1 IoT system has a single node/device that performs sensing and/or actuation, stores data, performs analysis and hosts the application • TIt is suitable for modeling low- cost and low-complexity solutions where the data involved is not big and the analysis requirements are not computationally intensive.

 

IoT Level-2

• It has a single node that performs sensing and/or actuation and local analysis (IoT Device and collected data).

• In this IoT Level Database and application establish in Cloud.

• It is useful for solutions where the data involved is big, however, the primary analysis requirement is not computationally intensive and can be done locally itself.

IoT Level-3

• It has has a single node. Database and application establish in the cloud.

• It is suitable for solutions where the data involved is big and the analysis requirements are computationally intensive.

IoT Level-4

• It has multiple nodes that perform local analysis. It has Cloud based application and database. These IoT System contains local and cloud- based observer nodes which can subscribe to and receive information collected in the cloud from IoT node devices.

• It is suitable for solutions where we are using multiple nodes, the data involved is big and the analysis requirements are computationally intensive.

 

IoT Level-5

• It has multiple end nodes and one coordinator node. The end nodes use for sensing and/or actuation.

• In this model Coordinator node collects data from the end nodes and transfer to the cloud. In this model we used Cloud-based Database for store and Analyze data.

• It is suitable for solutions based on wireless sensor networks, in which the data involved is big and the analysis requirements are computationally intensive.

IoT Level-6

• It has multiple independent end nodes that used for sensing and/or actuation and transfer data to the cloud. We used Cloud-based database.

• The analytics component analyzes the data and stores the results in the cloud database and results are visualized with the cloud-based application.

• The centralized controller is aware of the status of all the end nodes and sends control commands to the nodes

 

Recommended: Internet of Things (IoT) Introduction | IoT Tutorial Part-1 | IoT Basics

Conclusion

Understanding IoT levels and deployment templates is crucial for selecting the right architecture for IoT applications. Whether it’s a simple smart home setup or a complex industrial automation system, choosing the appropriate deployment model enhances efficiency, security, and scalability.

By leveraging the right IoT level and deployment architecture, businesses can maximize the potential of IoT and drive digital transformation effectively.

For more details on IoT architectures, visit https://iotbyhvm.ooo/iot-levels-and-deployment-templates/