M2M & IoT Interface Design & Protocols for Embedded Systems

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/m2m-iot-interface-design-embedded-systems

Introduction

# Course Review: M2M & IoT Interface Design & Protocols for Embedded Systems on Coursera In today's digital age, the integration of "smart" technologies through the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication is reshaping industries and enhancing the way we interact with our environments. For those looking to dive deep into this domain, the course *M2M & IoT Interface Design & Protocols for Embedded Systems* offered on Coursera stands out as a compelling option. ### Course Overview This course is designed not only for tech enthusiasts and professionals eager to enhance their skill sets but also for students pursuing an academic path, as it can be taken for credit as ECEA 5348 at CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree. It forms part of the Embedded Interface Design (EID) specialization and serves as an online parallel to the on-campus graduate program in Embedded Systems Design. Throughout the course, learners explore the essential components necessary for building interconnected systems, focusing on establishing robust communication protocols and designing interfaces that efficiently share data across cloud-based platforms and devices. ### Syllabus Breakdown The course is divided into four focused modules, each designed to build on the last. Here’s a closer look at what each segment offers: 1. **Introduction to M2M & IoT**: This module lays the groundwork by clarifying what M2M and IoT mean, their differences, and why they are crucial in today’s tech landscape. Concepts such as cloud architecture, UML, and system design tools are introduced, preparing students for practical coding projects utilizing AWS, Python, and Node.JS. 2. **Cloud for IoT**: Diving deeper, this module explores key protocols like MQTT and CoAP, essential for IoT systems. It examines what cloud services must provide for efficient IoT design, emphasizing AWS as a foundational platform. Students engage in their first coding exercise focused on creating cloud-connected IoT applications. 3. **Communications Protocols**: This segment addresses the critical connections between devices, moving from low-level communications protocols like I2C and SPI to higher-level networking protocols including WiFi and Zigbee. Notably, it covers long-distance, power-efficient protocols suitable for devices reliant on batteries for extended periods, empowering students to create a second project that integrates cloud services. 4. **Other Cloud and IoT Elements**: The final module encapsulates various complimentary elements necessary for designing IoT systems, including alternatives to AWS, cybersecurity considerations, and software technologies like APIs and microservices. Participants will also be involved in peer reviews of coding exercises, fostering collaborative learning. ### Strengths of the Course - **Comprehensive Curriculum**: The course covers a wide range of essential topics related to IoT and M2M, ensuring that learners acquire the necessary skills for real-world applications. - **Hands-On Projects**: The emphasis on coding exercises throughout the course allows participants to apply theoretical knowledge practically, solidifying their learning experience. - **Industry-Relevant Tools**: Working with leading platforms like AWS and programming languages such as Python provides participants knowledge that is directly applicable to the job market. - **Peer Interaction**: The comparative element of peer reviews encourages a collaborative educational environment, facilitating networking and knowledge sharing. ### Who Should Enroll? This course is perfect for engineering students, software developers, and IT professionals who wish to specialize in IoT and embedded systems. Additionally, project managers and product designers intrigued by the development of connected devices will find valuable insights. ### Conclusion and Recommendation *M2M & IoT Interface Design & Protocols for Embedded Systems* stands out as an exemplary course for anyone eager to understand the complexities of IoT and M2M communications. Its robust curriculum, practical approach, and the opportunity for academic credit make it a worthwhile investment for your educational and professional development. For those keen to harness the power of interconnected devices and contribute to the rapidly evolving internet landscape, I wholeheartedly recommend enrolling in this course on Coursera. Your journey into the world of IoT awaits!

Syllabus

Introduction to M2M & IoT

An introduction to M2M (Machine-to-Machine) and IoT (Internet of Things) definitions, differences, and the importance of these elements in modern use and industry. Also a review of basic cloud architectures, and related terms and concepts. We also review system design and architecture tools like UML, use cases, and architectural patterns. Finally, we look at the class projects for demonstrating IoT and cloud-connected (virtual) devices and systems, and start to prepare for working with AWS, Python, and Node.JS.

Review of key protocols and elements to build cloud-connected IoT systems, including the most common IoT application protocols that connect devices to the cloud - MQTT, CoAP, WebSockets. We then examine what cloud systems must provide to support IoT design, elements like over-the-air updates, digital twins, and serverless processes. Finally we review the make up of one of the most complete cloud environments, AWS, and also look specifically at how it provides a framework for IoT connected devices and systems. We also provide the first cloud-connected IoT coding exercise for the course.

This module focuses on connections between devices and the protocols that enable those connections at several levels. We start at the board level of devices, and then look at low-level communications with protocols such as I2C, SPI, and UART. We then move up into personal, local, and wide area network protocols, both wired and wireless: Ethernet, USB, WiFi, Zigbee, etc. Finally we look specifically at long distance protocols for devices that will run on batteries for over ten years - cellular protocols like LTE-M and NB-IoT, and non-cellular protocols such as LoRaWAN and SIGFOX. We'll also create a second program to extend the first coding exercise to explore other cloud services and APIs.

Here we review the final elements that we will include in our tool sets for designing cloud-connected IoT systems. We will look at alternative cloud platforms to AWS, both commercial and open source. We consider cybersecurity issues for IoT devices and systems, ways to test, harden, and prepare our systems for public exposure. And we consider some underlying software technologies that enable the structure of an IoT system: message queuing, APIs, and microservices. We will close with peer review of ours and other's coding exercises, and (optionally) prepare for the final exam.