A recent buzzword, “The Internet of Things”, can be loosely defined as the global collection of devices that communicate with each other whether wired or wireless. Read the following articles and then complete the work below the links. A Simple Explanation of the Internet of Things: The Internet of Things is Far Bigger than Anyone Realizes: Using Microsoft Word create a picture detailing your own “Internet of Things” (in your life). The picture can be a simplified version of the one used in the unit 1 lab. Then write a 2-3 page paper describing how the cloud is currently used or can be used to enable those devices to communicate and work together. Be specific and include both hardware and software needs. Be sure to use at least 2 external sources and to include all of your sources by providing citations/links to the Web pages you used in APA format. Your paper must use proper APA formatting and must contain citations and references to all materials you access to help you with this paper.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has gained considerable attention in recent years as the global collection of interconnected devices continues to grow. This concept refers to the idea that various devices, whether wired or wireless, can communicate with each other and work together to improve efficiency and convenience in daily life. In this assignment, we will explore how the cloud can enable the communication and collaboration of IoT devices.

The term “cloud” often refers to cloud computing, which involves the use of remote servers to store, manage, and process data over the internet. In the context of the IoT, the cloud plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between devices and allowing them to share information and work in sync.

To illustrate this concept, we are asked to create a picture detailing our own “Internet of Things” in our lives. This picture should represent a simplified version of the one used in the unit 1 lab. By visualizing our IoT devices, we can better understand how the cloud can be utilized to enable their communication and collaboration.

When it comes to enabling IoT devices to communicate and work together, both hardware and software components are essential. On the hardware side, IoT devices typically consist of sensors, actuators, and communication modules. These devices collect data from their environment through sensors and use actuators to perform actions based on the gathered information. Communication modules allow these devices to connect to the internet and exchange data with other devices.

On the software side, various technologies and protocols are used to enable communication and coordination among IoT devices. For example, MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is a lightweight messaging protocol commonly used in the IoT. It allows devices to publish and subscribe to messages, enabling efficient and reliable communication.

The cloud plays a crucial role in IoT communication by providing a centralized platform where the data collected by devices can be stored, processed, and shared. This allows for real-time analysis of the data and enables devices to make decisions based on the insights derived from it. Cloud storage also ensures that the data collected by IoT devices is securely stored and easily accessible from anywhere.

Furthermore, the cloud enables device management and control. Through cloud platforms, users can remotely monitor and control their IoT devices, regardless of their physical location. This allows for convenient management of devices and enables users to automate tasks and processes based on predefined conditions.

Overall, the cloud serves as a fundamental component in enabling the communication and collaboration of IoT devices. It provides a secure and scalable infrastructure for storing and processing data, facilitates real-time analysis and decision-making, and allows for remote device management and control.

In conclusion, the cloud plays a crucial role in enabling IoT devices to communicate and work together. Both hardware and software components are necessary for IoT communication, with sensors, actuators, and communication modules forming the hardware side, while technologies like MQTT facilitate software-level communication. The cloud provides the necessary infrastructure and platform for storing, processing, and sharing IoT data, enabling real-time analysis and remote device management. By harnessing the power of the cloud, the Internet of Things can truly revolutionize the way devices interact and improve efficiency in various aspects of life.