Every Computer Science student or engineer must have addressed the term “IoT” once in his life. In this article, You will learn what does IoT means, Applications Of IoT, what are IoT platforms, IoT Architecture and everything else required. So without wasting more time start reading

What is IoT or what does IoT mean?
The first question which arises in everyone’s mind who first encounters with the term “IoT” is What does IoT mean? The answer to this question is
IoT stands for Internet Of Things. IoT is basically a giant network of devices, these devices are interconnected to each other which means they can share information, Data with each other
or
You can understand IoT as a platform that helps all the devices to communicate with each other across the internet
Now, What are these Devices
Everything which you come across in your real-life which can be connected to some other device Starting From AC, TV, Mobile Phone, Smart Cars to Smart Watch all these are IoT devices which can share data and communicate with each other, for example, we can control our AC from our phone, we can access our TV from our phone, We can control our phone from our smartwatch
Now, The major question arises
How IoT works?
All IoT devices can communicate with each other how? All these devices can communicate with each other through sensors
Each device is embedded with a sensor, What this sensor does is It collect all the information or data from the device
Then the collected data is sent to the IoT platforms where all the data is then analyzed and then useful data is stored
After the data is stored It is available to all the devices which are connected to that IoT platform which means any device can access that data which is a part of the IoT network
This is how devices communicate with Each Other and are connected to each other
Now, as we have discussed and understood What Does IoT mean? let’s drive more deep into IoT
IoT Architecture
There is no specific architecture for IoT devices, which is agreed universally. It is different for different users or organizations basis on their requirements
But in general, there are 5 layers in IoT Architecture

1.Preception Layer
👉This is the first layer of IoT architecture, In this layer, Sensors which are embedded on the devices gathers the information or Data from the devices about the environment, These sensors are inbuilt in IoT devices Just like we have Inbuilt applications like GPS, Camera in our phone
2.Transfer Layer
👉After Data is collected by the sensor, Data is transferred to the processing layer from preception layer with the help of transfer Layer. Now, Data can be transferred through any mode inside transfer layer It can be wired, wireless, Bluetooth, 3G, LAN or any other method whichever is convenient
3.Processing Layer
👉After Data is transferred to the Processing Layer, Data is Stored, Analyzed, and Processed as per the user requirement. Now, this can employ databases, cloud computing, and big data processing module to store, analyze, and process huge data. Once this is done data is sent to the application layer
4.Application Layer
👉Application Layer is responsible for delivering the data ( which is received from the Processing Layer after Storing, Analyzing, and Processing ) to the end-user according to there requirements
5.Business Layer
👉Now, comes the last layer Business Layer, A Business Layer manages the whole IoT System including Applications, Business and Profit Models, and users policy. Now this the layer with which user interacts, Business layer help user and is answerable to the users
This Is The Complete Architecture of IoT (Internet Of Things)
IoT Platform
An IoT Platform is a place where all the data is collected, stored, and analyzed or technically it is a central Database through which all the devices communicate with each other
or
An IoT platform is a Suit Of Components that enable Developers to deployed Apps, Allow them to collect data remotely, and Provides secure Connectivity To Developers.
Now, What all IoT platforms are available
There are 100s of IoT platform Available On The Internet Here is the List Of Top 10 IoT platforms According to me
1.Google Cloud Platform
2.GE Predix
3.Kaa
4.Particle
5.Azure
6.AWS
7.Oracle
8.Artik Cloud
9.Thing Worx
10.IRI Voracity
All these Platforms are equally Good and secure
Now You must be clear with what does IoT mean, let’s learn about IoT applications
IoT Applications
There are multiple Applications of IoT, Some Of them are listed Below

1.Everyday Life
It is the first Industry to apply IoT. Now, how is IoT helping us in everyday life think of an example you are 5 minutes away from your home and driving a car and when you reach home you turn On your AC and wait for it to get cool? There Is no problem with this It is normal but what would be the scenario if you can turn on your AC from your Car only, while you are Driving and when you reach your home Your room is already cool that’s great Right that’s how IoT helps us in everyday life and making our life easier.
IoT can connect your Fitbit, to your vehicles, to your smartphones, to even your home appliances
3.Healthcare
Healthcare and the general practice of medicine majorly faces issues in one or more of these three things which are research, devices, and care. Medical Research has to rely upon leftover data in control settings for medical examinations which lacks real-world data thatcan solve critical conditions IoT could be the answer to all these problems. The IoT open ways to a sea of valuable data through analysis and real-time testing, IoT empowers health care professionals and improves the quality of Care ultimately reducing the unsustainably high cost of medical devices
3.Agriculture
4.Industrial Automation
5.Disaster Managment
The IoT can not stop Disasters from happening but it can surely help in preparing and resolving during one. Due To OverPopulation, poor evacuation infrastructure, and exposure to severe weather conditions developing and developed countries are more exposed to the risk of Natural disasters. IoT can compensate for this by Prediction, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery to rescue developed and emerging countries from there vulnerable conditions