There will be close to 19.1 to 22 billion IoT devices in 2026. There are other forecasts that suggest that the total number of devices will go beyond 39 billion in 2030, growing at 13%. The Internet of Things has transformed our current world without a doubt, impacting different countries around the world. It impacts our daily lives in ways we cannot even imagine. From helping us find our transportation and routes, purchasing products online, to high stakes business decisions, the application of IoT is everywhere.  

IoT is a combination of different devices ranging from simple wearable devices and industrial machinery to expensive medical appliances. It involves distinct technologies such as IoT sensors, actuators, cloud computing, high-speed data transfer, and RF communication, etc. In order to execute IoT technology, it is important to have a conceptual understanding of IoT design methodology.  

In cast, you want to be thorough with the fundamentals, you can start by reading our blog on “What Is IoT?”  


An Overview of IoT Design Methodology 


Creating IoT platforms is completely complex and technical and involves a wide range of tricky challenges. It is vital to set smooth connections between different systems to ascertain seamless exchange of data. However, for each facet and component, IoT developers can help you select between various options. To choose the right option, it is important for IoT engineers to keep the design aligned with their objectives and product. 

In this blog, we mainly focus on general design methodology. It will be true irrespective of your service, product, or language. The overall design of your IoT environment can impact your testing time, design time, maintenance time, complexity, and interoperability. Thus, it is significant to have the IoT design methodology absolutely spot on.  


Methodology Steps


The standard design methodology of an IoT environment is detailed in the following points below:  


Purpose And Requirement

Defining the system’s purpose and need is the very first step. This step involves determining the behavior, prerequisites, and requirements of the platform. The requirements are given as follows:  

  • Requirements related to user interface  
  • Requirements related to data collection  
  • Requirements related to data analysis 
  • Standards of security  
  • Prerequisites related to system management  

Procedure Detail

This step transforms the defined needs and objectives into accurate use cases of the IoT platform. It defines how different components interact with one another, what operations will be performed, and the accurate conditions under which they will be performed. Each procedure showcases a proper flow of functions, allowing developers to understand behavior of the system before going ahead with the modeling phase.  


Domain Model Specification

The third step we need to discuss in the IoT design methodology is the domain model specification. The domain model represents the core entities, concepts, and objects in the IoT system domain which will be created before going ahead with the modeling phase.  

The system designers can understand the IoT domain for which the platform is designed through domain models.  


Information Model Specification

The fourth step is all about defining the information model. Basically, the information model determines the comprehensive information architecture of the IoT systems, including relationships, virtual entity properties, and other structures. The information model does not need to go into great detail about the display and storage of data.  


Service Specification

The services in the IoT environment involve service types, input/outputs, endpoints, schedules, effects, preconditions, etc. They are defined in this step by the service specifications.  

Such services either change the state, allocate values, or retrieve the existing value. The mode service is a type of RESTful web service that can be utilized for PUT Request or GET Request. The mode is either updated or retrieved from the database. The state service is a type of RESTful web service that allows users to get the existing light state or set the light appliance status as on or off (PUT Request).  

This status is either updated or retrieved in the status database. On the device, the controller service operates as a native service.  


Also Read- Communication Protocols In IoT


IoT Specification

In this IoT design methodology state, IoT developers must work hard on determining the IoT levels of the system. Five different deployment levels are used as per different circumstances:  

  • IoT Level 1
  • IoT Level 2
  • IoT Level 3
  • IoT Level 4
  • IoT Level 5

Functional View Specification

The functionalities of IoT platforms are categorized into different functional groups. Here, each functional group provides details related to the ideas and functionalities in the domain model.  

A functional view comprises the functional groups mentioned below:  

  • Management  
  • Application 
  • Security  
  • Communication  
  • Device  
  • Services 

Operational View Specification

Operational view specification is all about defining the specifications of operational view. The operation and implementation of IoT platforms are clearly defined. This includes options related to hosting, service storage, device hosting, application hosting, storage, etc.  


Device and Component Integration 

This step involves integrating devices and component designs. It includes IoT actuators, LDR sensors, and microcomputers.  


Application Development  

This is the last phase in the IoT design methodology. Its main purpose is to develop an IoT application. The application has the control for mode (auto on or auto off) or light (on or off).  


Importance of IoT Design Methodology  


Enhanced Performance:

Carefully choosing an IoT design reduces delays, ascertaining reliable delivery of data, and conserving energy. This improves overall system performance and reliability.  


Cost Efficiency

Businesses and consumers can reduce costs by leveraging an efficient IoT design. It reduces overall ownership costs, development costs, and maintenance costs.  


Ecosystem Integration- 

Smooth integration with other tools is also imperative. Different platforms and devices can exchange data easily and interoperate with specific IoT design methodology.  


Differentiation and Innovation:  

What is important is to make your brand stand apart and create new ideas. Features, new services, and business ideas are based on efficient IoT design.  


Conclusion


In conclusion, we can say that the Internet of Things is a robust technology that drives smart, efficient, and securely connected platforms, powering numerous industries. Just by emphasizing user experience, security protocols, and seamless compatibility, IoT has opened new channels of digitization. IoT design methodologies trigger innovation, transform industry processes, and manufacture solutions that enhance your daily life.  

IoT design methodology has enhanced interaction with the surroundings and has created pathways for industrial automation, smart homes, and smart cities. Considering the complexities in IoT development, businesses proceeding with the Internet of Things Development Services play a crucial role. It provides personalized solutions that align with specific business interests and standards. By incorporating IoT advancements, businesses can get a competitive edge in the technology-powered industries, providing unparalleled safety, convenience, and connectivity.  


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