Introductory description

This module introduces the concept, implementation and applications of digitally enabled objects that can transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction in the context of Internet of Things (IoT). The potential of Internet of things (IoT) in smart homes/cities and industrial context will be introduced and corresponding system architectures, networking configurations and programming techniques will be taught to acquire and process data using hardware kits based on general wired/wireless network elements (e.g. switches, routers/gateways), microcontroller units (e.g. ARM microcontrollers, Arduino), single-board computers (e.g. raspberry pi), sensors and actuators.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

-- Introduction of IoT ecosystem and architecture
-- IoT reference architecture
-- IoT-enabled network elements
-- Sensors and actuators
-- Network architecture (carriers & services)
-- Last mile wired/wireless connections
-- Edge, Fog and IoT cloud platforms
-- IoT-related Configurations and Lab Kits

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Explore and evaluate the impact of emerging digital technologies e.g., IoT, big data, cloud computing, data analytics. [AHEP:4 - C16] [CITP: 2.3.1]
• Assess where the IoT concept fits within various use cases such as smart cities/homes, the industry (Industry 4.0) and future trends. [AHEP:4 - C6, C8]
• Demonstrate various protocols used in IoT including the corresponding sense, actuation, and wireless technologies. [CITP: 2.1.2, 2.2.1]
• Design and justify an IoT system architecture, considering sensor/actuator integration, data processing, network selection, and organisational fit. [CITP: 2.1.10]

Indicative reading list

• D. N. Serpanos, “Internet of things (IoT) systems: architectures, algorithms and methodologies”, Springer, 2018, ISBN : 9783319697154.
• M. De Saulles, “The internet of things and business”, Routledge, 2017, ISBN: 9781315537849.
• J. Mongay Batalla, “Beyond the Internet of things; everything interconnected”, Springer, 2017, ISBN: 9783319507583.
• R. R. Yager, “New advances in the Internet of things”, Springer, 2018, ISBN: 9783319581903.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Contributes to the occupational standard for Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (ST0119):

• Plan, design and manage simple computer networks with an overall focus on the services and capabilities that network infrastructure solutions enable in an organisational context (S12).
• Monitor performance and ensure networks are configured correctly and perform as expected by designers or architects. Undertake capacity management and audit of IP addressing and hosted devices (S58).
• Research and evaluate emerging network technologies and assess relevance to current network requirements. Provide an objective opinion on how new features and technologies may be incorporated as required by the organisation (S62).

Transferable skills

Has the capabilities that enable living, learning and working in a digital society;
Engaged in Team working, Problem solving, Critical thinking and Digital literacy.