SECTION A – Short Answers (2 Marks Each)
(a) Define Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects (things) embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity that enables them to collect, exchange, and act on data over the internet.
(b) How M2M is different from IoT
M2M (Machine-to-Machine) involves direct communication between devices with minimal human interaction, while IoT integrates devices with cloud, analytics, and applications for intelligent decision-making.
(c) Define RFID communication
RFID communication uses radio waves to identify and track objects through RFID tags and readers without physical contact.
(d) List features of Arduino
Arduino is open-source, easy to program, low cost, supports multiple sensors, has built-in I/O pins, and is suitable for rapid prototyping.
(e) Define MAC protocol
A MAC (Medium Access Control) protocol controls how multiple devices access and share a common communication channel efficiently.
(f) What is data aggregation and dissemination?
Data aggregation collects data from multiple nodes into a summary form, while dissemination distributes processed data to required devices or users.
(g) Name two Arduino board names
Arduino Uno and Arduino Mega.
(h) Write a simple program in Arduino
A simple Arduino program turns an LED ON and OFF using digitalWrite() inside the loop function.
(i) Compare different IoT hardware
Arduino is microcontroller-based and low power, Raspberry Pi is microprocessor-based with OS support, and NodeMCU supports Wi-Fi-based IoT applications.
(j) Name a few applications of IoT along with challenges
Applications include smart homes, healthcare, agriculture, and smart cities. Challenges include security, privacy, interoperability, and scalability.
SECTION B – Long Answers (10 Marks Each)
(a) Industries that can benefit from IoT
Industries such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, energy, and retail benefit from IoT through automation, real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, cost reduction, and improved efficiency.
(b) Popular IoT hardware platforms
Popular platforms include Arduino, Raspberry Pi, NodeMCU, BeagleBone, and ESP32. Arduino is ideal for beginners, Raspberry Pi supports OS-based applications, and ESP-based boards are preferred for wireless IoT systems.
(c) MAC protocol survey
MAC protocols in IoT include CSMA, TDMA, FDMA, and hybrid protocols. They aim to reduce collisions, save energy, ensure fairness, and support scalability in wireless sensor networks.
(d) Primary hardware components of an embedded system
An embedded system consists of a microcontroller/microprocessor, memory, sensors, actuators, communication interfaces, power supply, and input/output devices.
(e) Functional layers and capabilities of an IoT solution
IoT architecture includes perception layer (sensing), transport layer (communication), processing layer (data analytics), middleware layer (device management), and application layer (user interface and services).
SECTION C – Long Answers (10 Marks Each)
3(a) Embedded system on an IoT device
An embedded system in an IoT device includes sensors to collect data, a microcontroller for processing, communication modules for data transfer, and actuators for control actions. It enables autonomous and intelligent operations.
3(b) IoT Architectural view
IoT architecture consists of device layer, gateway layer, cloud layer, and application layer. Each layer handles sensing, communication, storage, processing, and visualization of data.
4(a) Differences between Arduino and Raspberry Pi
Arduino is microcontroller-based, executes a single program, and consumes low power. Raspberry Pi is microprocessor-based, runs an operating system, and supports multitasking.
4(b) IoT sensors and actuators with RFID role
Sensors measure physical parameters like temperature and humidity, while actuators perform actions like switching motors. RFID helps in object identification and tracking in IoT architecture.
5(a) Standards and technologies for ad-hoc connectivity
Technologies include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, LoRaWAN, and 6LoWPAN. These enable short-range and long-range connectivity between IoT devices.
5(b) Sensor deployment and node discovery
Sensor deployment refers to placing sensor nodes optimally. Node discovery allows nodes to identify and communicate with neighboring devices in the network.
6(a) C program to interface DHT sensor and LED
A program reads temperature from DHT sensor and turns ON LED when temperature exceeds 35°C using conditional statements and digital I/O control.
6(b) Security issues in IoT boards
Security issues include weak authentication, data breaches, malware attacks, insecure firmware, and lack of encryption.
7(a) Designing smart streetlights in smart city
Smart streetlights use sensors and IoT controllers to adjust brightness based on traffic and ambient light, reducing energy consumption and improving safety.
7(b) Challenges in IoT design with examples
Challenges include scalability (large device networks), security (data theft), interoperability (different standards), and power management (battery-operated devices).