How to create an IoT application
Marius Elveg?rd
Disiplinleder Digital ?stlandet, Lokasjonsleder Asker, Senior FPGA-utvikler hos Inventas, UVVM SG
Developing IoT applications may seem complicated, but fundamentally, it is about getting devices to communicate with each other and with the cloud. The first thing you need to consider is the hardware you will be using. For simple projects, an Arduino can be used to connect sensors and perform basic tasks, while more complex applications may benefit from a Raspberry Pi, which offers more processing power and runs a full operating system. Your choice of hardware will affect how your system functions, so it is important to select the right one based on your project's needs.
Once the hardware is in place, the application needs to be programmed. Python is a good choice for beginners on the Raspberry Pi because it is easy to learn and has many available libraries. For applications that require higher performance and security, languages like C or Rust might be better options. Rust provides better control over resources and helps avoid errors like memory leaks, which is important for IoT devices with limited capacity.
The next step is to design the architecture of the system. This includes the devices that collect data, the communication between the devices and the cloud, and the cloud solution that will process the data. To ensure the system operates efficiently, you need to find a balance between how much data should be processed locally on the IoT devices and how much should be sent to the cloud. Edge computing can be used to reduce latency and bandwidth usage by processing data close to the source.
Security is essential because IoT devices are connected to the internet and can be vulnerable to attacks. To protect your system, it is important to focus on multiple levels of security. At the network level, you should segment the network to limit unnecessary connections, reducing the attack surface and preventing a potential attack from spreading throughout the system. Implementing a zero-trust model, where every access request is verified regardless of its origin, further strengthens network security. Regarding device security, it is important to require authentication before anyone gains access to the devices. Default passwords should always be replaced with strong, unique passwords based on a solid password policy. Additionally, using strong encryption for all communication between devices prevents sensitive information from being intercepted by unauthorized parties. Firmware security is also an important component. Regular firmware updates help patch security holes and protect against new threats.
When everything is set up and programmed, the important testing phase begins. You need to ensure that the devices work together, that the data is transferred correctly, and that the cloud handles the data effectively. Tools like Wireshark can help monitor network traffic and detect errors. It can also be useful to use testing and development frameworks to automate the testing process.
Finally, the application is put into operation. Now it is about monitoring the system and ensuring that it functions optimally. A major advantage of IoT is that you can collect large amounts of data that can be analyzed to improve the system's performance over time. By using a cloud platform, you can easily set up everything from data transfer to real-time analysis and monitoring.
Inventas #iot #embedded
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https://www.elektronikknett.no/innvevde-systemer-iot-utvikling/apner-for-rask-iot-innovasjon/2719294
Also I question some of the Arduino devices, if you want security you should have encrypted channels, and I am not sure if many of the Arduino devices are powerful enough to run encryption? I find the portal to connect and setup wifi is often in plaintext since https is difficult with certificates and encryption demands, any good solutions to this? Maybe there is better ways for initial setup of IOT devices in a secure manner?
Two more things I find important: 1) possibility to update OTA, 2) Personally I want the possibility to not use cloud, option to not have to rely on some cloud I find really important for all my IOT devices. (being able to function without cloud so you do not have incidence like mill where your heaters does not work anymore because they cant talk to some external server).