Introduction
Did you know that farmers can put sensors on their crops that tell them when to water, how
much water is needed, and when to harvest? With this information, farmers can get the best
quality and quantity from their crops. Coal miners can place sensors in a mine that detect tiny
amounts of dangerous gases. This information saves lives.
The Internet of Things (IoT) describes a growing industry of digital technology being harnessed
to the Internet in ways that will improve the lives of every person on this planet. We can only
guess at the number and types of jobs it will create. Maybe you would like a career in the IoT.
The Introduction to the Internet of Things course (I2IoT) explains what the IoT is, what it does,
how it is part of digital transformation, and how you can become part of this. You will learn
about the exponential increase of intelligent devices connected to the internet and you will learn
to program one of these intelligent devices. The course explains artificial intelligence and the
impact of automation to our future. Lastly you will understand the increased importance of
privacy and security.
Welcome to the Introduction to the Internet of Things course!
How We Teach
E-doing is a design philosophy that applies the principle that people learn best by doing. The
curriculum includes embedded, highly interactive e-doing activities to help stimulate learning,
increase knowledge retention, and make the whole learning experience much richer – and that
makes understanding the content much easier.
Interactive Activities
Interactive activities are embedded within the chapters as checks for understanding. Some of
these use “drag and drop” to complete the activity (Figure 1). Others use a “checkbox” method to
complete them (Figure 2). You can check your score immediately. You can also reset and do the
activity as many times as you like.
Labs
Labs are activities that are designed to be performed on physical equipment (Figure 3). Some
labs are written as class or small group activities that may or may not involve equipment. It is
very important to learn and practice physical skills by using the labs in this course in preparation
for a career in IT. Working on physical equipment not only develops skills, but also reinforces
knowledge and builds confidence. This is very important as you move into the IT field.
Packet Tracer
In the Networking chapters, you will configure a simple network using Packet Tracer, the
Networking Academy network simulation tool (Figure 4). Packet Tracer is a very robust tool that
you will use regularly as you participate in more advanced networking courses. You will
complete labs in Chapter 1 to download Packet Tracer, learn how to navigate in the package, and
how to create simple networks.
Assessments
Some chapters include topic assessments that are embedded into the curriculum and are meant
entirely for self-evaluation. Each chapter in the course has an online chapter quiz (Figure 5). This
is scored automatically, showing you the areas where you excel, as well as any areas where you
may want to do some additional study or practice. There is an online, end-of-course final exam.
Course Overview
The goal of this course is to explain the Internet of Things and digital technology and to
highlight how these two factors are now part of a broader category called digital transformation.
After completing this course you will be able to do the following:
Explain the meaning and impact of digital transformation.
Apply basic programming to support IoT devices.
Explain how data provides value to digital business and society.
Explain the benefits of automation in the digitized world.
Explain the need for enhanced security in the digitized world.
Discover opportunities provided by digital transformation.
Chapter 1 Everything is Connected
The Evolution of Digital Transformation
Tell the truth …. how many of you could actually make it through a day without your
smartphone?
In our world today, there are more smart devices than there are people. A growing number of
people are connected to the Internet, in one way or another, 24 hours a day. An ever-increasing
number of people have, and rely on, three, four, or more smart devices. These might include
smartphones, exercise and health monitors, e-readers, and tablets. As shown in Figure 1, by
2020, it is forecast that each consumer will have an average of 6.58 smart devices.
How is it possible for so many devices to be connected?
Modern digital networks make all of this possible. The world is quickly being covered with
networks that allow digital devices to interconnect and transmit. Think of the mesh of networks
like a digital skin surrounding the planet, as illustrated in Figure 2. With this digital skin, mobile
devices, electronic sensors, electronic measuring devices, medical devices, and gauges are all
able to connect. They monitor, communicate, evaluate, and in some cases automatically adjust to
the data that is being collected and transmitted.
As society embraces these digital devices, as digital networks continue to grow around the world,
and as the economic benefits of digitization continue to grow, we are seeing a digital
transformation. Digital transformation is the application of digital technology to provide the
stage for business and industry to innovate. This digital innovation is now being applied to every
aspect of human society.
1.1.1.2 Lab - How Connected are You?
It is important to understand that most people born since the 1990s, will have grown up in a
primarily digital world. This survey will help you to recognize how much of the day is actually
spent “connected”. This will help us to see the impact this generation will have on business and
the economy.
1.1.1.3 Determine Your Generation
Determine your connected generation by taking this fun survey that was created by
PricewaterhouseCoopers:
http://surveys.strategyand.pwc.com/DigitalGenerationTool/index.php
1.1.1.7 Introduction to Packet Tracer
Cisco Packet Tracer is an innovative network simulation and visualization tool. This free
software helps you to practice your network configuration and troubleshooting skills. You can
use your desktop computer, or an Android or iOS based mobile device. Packet Tracer is
available for both the Linux and Windows desktop environments.
Students commonly use Packet Tracer to:
Prepare for a certification exam.
Practice what they learn in networking courses.
Sharpen their skills for a job interview.
Examine the impact of adding new technologies into existing network designs.
Build their skills for jobs in the Internet of Things.
Compete in Global Design Challenges (take a look at the 2017 PT 7 Design Challenge on
Facebook).
Packet Tracer is an essential learning tool used in many Cisco Networking Academy courses.
Click Play in the video for a detailed walk-through of the Packet Tracer download and
installation process.
Click here to read a transcript of this video.
To obtain and install your copy of Cisco Packet Tracer follow these simple steps:
1. Log into your Cisco Networking Academy “I’m Learning” page.
2. Select Resources from the menu in the upper right portion of your screen.
3. Select Download Packet Tracer.
4. Select the version of Packet Tracer you require.
5. Save the file to your computer.
6. Launch the Packet Tracer install program.
7. After installation, close and restart your web browser.
8. Launch Cisco Packet Tracer by selecting the appropriate icon.
9. When prompted, use your Netacad login information to authenticate.
1.1.1.1 Packet Tracer – Deploying and Cabling Devices
Since Packet Tracer simulates networks and network traffic, the physical aspects of these
networks also need to be simulated. This includes actually finding and deploying physical
devices, customizing those devices, and cabling those devices. After the physical deployment
and cabling is done, then it is time for configuration of the interfaces used to connect the devices.
Finding a device to deploy requires looking in the Device-Type Selection Box. The Device-Type
Selection Box works on the concept of categories and sub-categories as shown in the figure.
The top row of icons represents the category list consisting of: [Networking Devices], [End
Devices], [Components], [Connections], [Miscellaneous], and [Multiuser]. Each category
contains at least one sub-category group.
Packet Tracer – Deploying and Cabling Devices Instructions
Packet Tracer – Deploying and Cabling Devices - PKA
