Internet of Things (IoT) and Infrastructure (D337)

Correct Answer B. To facilitate communication between the device and external systems or services

Explanation

The primary role of connectivity in IoT devices is to enable communication between the device and external systems, services, or other devices. This communication allows IoT devices to send and receive data, interact with cloud platforms, and integrate with other devices or applications. Connectivity is crucial for the functionality of IoT devices, as it enables remote control, monitoring, and management of the device, which is the core purpose of IoT technology.

Why other options are wrong

A. To ensure that devices operate independently without any external input

This is incorrect because IoT devices rely heavily on external systems for data processing, management, and interaction. Connectivity is essential for enabling these interactions, and devices are rarely designed to operate fully independently in an IoT ecosystem.

C. To limit the functionality of the device to its physical components

This is incorrect because connectivity expands the functionality of IoT devices beyond just their physical components. It allows for remote control, data collection, and integration with other systems, making the device much more versatile than just the hardware it contains.

D. To enhance the aesthetic design of the product

This is incorrect because connectivity is a functional requirement in IoT devices, not a design element. While aesthetics may be important for the user experience, connectivity is what allows IoT devices to fulfill their intended purpose, such as data exchange, automation, and integration into larger systems.

Correct Answer D. All of the above

Explanation

A routing table is a database maintained by a router that holds information about various networks and how to reach them. It typically contains:

The destination network ID, which represents the target network or IP address range that the router needs to route traffic to.

The hop count to reach the network, which indicates how many router hops or intermediary devices need to be traversed to reach the destination.

The router ID of the next hop, which is the identifier of the next router to which packets should be forwarded on their way to the destination.

These elements ensure that the router can make informed decisions about where to forward packets efficiently.

Why other options are wrong

A. The destination network ID

While this is part of the routing table, it doesn't provide a complete picture. A routing table also includes other information like the next hop router ID and the hop count.

B. The hop count to reach the network

The hop count is important but not the only element in the routing table. It helps measure the distance to the destination, but the table also includes the next-hop router and other details.

C. The router ID of the next hop

The next hop is crucial in routing decisions, but the routing table includes more than just this information, such as the destination network ID and hop count, making option D the most complete answer.

Correct Answer D. is a set of standardized rules concerning exactly how two entities communicate with each other. 

Explanation

A communications protocol is a set of rules and standards that define how two devices communicate over a network. It includes how data is formatted, transmitted, and received to ensure that devices can understand each other and exchange information effectively. Protocols are essential in all network communications, ensuring interoperability between different devices and systems.

Why other options are wrong

A. establishes a consensus network, providing verifiability and privacy across connected devices.

This description may be more relevant to a specific type of protocol, such as those used in blockchain networks. While some protocols can include features like verifiability and privacy, the broad definition of a communication protocol is not limited to those features.

B. is an android application designed to facilitate binary communication.

This is an inaccurate description. A communications protocol is not an application, and it is not limited to binary communication. It defines rules for communication in various forms, including text, binary, and other data formats.

C. is a system for categorizing messages for more efficient transfer across a network.

While protocols might involve structuring messages for efficiency, the core purpose of a communications protocol is to define the rules and standards for communication between devices, not just categorizing messages.

Correct Answer D. photo-conductive device

Explanation

A Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) is a photo-conductive device. Its resistance changes in response to the intensity of light falling on it. As light increases, resistance decreases, allowing more current to pass through. This property is used in various light-sensing applications such as automatic lighting systems and brightness controls.

Why other options are wrong

A. photo-voltaic device

This is incorrect because photo-voltaic devices, like solar cells, generate electricity directly from sunlight. LDRs do not generate electricity; they change their resistance based on light.

B. photo-emissive device

This is incorrect because photo-emissive devices release electrons when exposed to light, as seen in photoelectric cells. LDRs do not emit electrons; instead, they change resistance in response to light.

C. photo-resistive device

Although this term might seem synonymous with LDRs, it is not the accurate classification. The correct technical term for an LDR is a photo-conductive device, which refers to a material’s conductivity changing with light—not just resistance in general.

Correct Answer A. A smart thermostat that adjusts temperature settings remotely via a mobile app

Explanation

A smart thermostat, such as those offered by Nest or Ecobee, uses cloud functionality to enhance its capabilities. It connects to the internet, allowing users to remotely adjust temperature settings via a mobile app. The cloud also enables the thermostat to learn user preferences and optimize heating/cooling patterns. Furthermore, it can be controlled from anywhere, providing users with convenience and energy efficiency.

Why other options are wrong

B. A traditional light bulb

This is incorrect because a traditional light bulb does not utilize cloud functionality. It is simply a basic electrical device with no smart capabilities to connect to the internet or be controlled remotely.

C. A basic alarm clock

This is incorrect because a basic alarm clock does not have cloud connectivity. It functions independently without any remote control features or data stored in the cloud.

D. A non-connected refrigerator

This is incorrect because a non-connected refrigerator does not have the ability to utilize cloud functionality. While modern smart refrigerators can connect to the internet for remote monitoring and control, a non-connected refrigerator lacks such capabilities.

Correct Answer C. Standard communication protocols ensure that different devices can communicate effectively by providing a common set of rules and conventions.

Explanation

Standard communication protocols define the rules and conventions for data exchange between devices across a network. These protocols ensure interoperability between different systems and devices, allowing them to understand and process each other's messages effectively. Without these standardized protocols, different devices or systems may not be able to communicate or exchange data properly, leading to network failures or inefficiencies. Examples of these protocols include TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP.

Why other options are wrong

A. Standard communication protocols are only used for data storage

This is incorrect because communication protocols are primarily used for data transmission and ensuring successful communication between devices, not for data storage.

B. Standard communication protocols are used to monitor network traffic

While protocols may assist in monitoring network traffic in some cases, their primary function is to govern the communication process, not traffic monitoring. Network monitoring typically involves tools that analyze the traffic generated by these protocols.

D. Standard communication protocols are irrelevant to network communication

This statement is incorrect as it completely disregards the essential role that communication protocols play in making network communication possible. Without protocols, there would be no standardized way for devices to communicate, resulting in network dysfunction.

Correct Answer B. A component that manages the communication between publishers and subscribers

Explanation

In the MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) protocol, the broker is responsible for managing the communication between publishers and subscribers. It acts as an intermediary that receives messages from publishers and then forwards them to the appropriate subscribers based on the topics they are interested in. The broker ensures message delivery and can also handle message persistence, subscriptions, and filtering. It is a crucial component for enabling the decoupling of message producers (publishers) and consumers (subscribers) in the MQTT architecture.

Why other options are wrong

A. A device that generates messages for other devices

This is incorrect because the broker does not generate messages. Instead, the publisher devices generate messages, and the broker's role is to relay those messages to the subscribers.

C. A method for encrypting messages sent over the network

This is incorrect because the broker is not responsible for encryption. Encryption methods like SSL/TLS can be used to secure MQTT messages, but encryption is not the core role of the broker.

D. A type of subscriber that receives messages from multiple topics

This is incorrect because the broker is not a subscriber. It manages subscriptions and handles message delivery but does not subscribe to topics itself. Subscribers are the devices or applications that receive messages from the broker.

Correct Answer C. IETF is responsible for technical standards that make up the Internet protocol suite and W3C develops protocols and guidelines that ensure the long term growth of the web

Explanation

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) are two distinct organizations with different focuses. The IETF is primarily responsible for the technical standards related to the Internet protocol suite, including protocols like TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP. The IETF ensures that the foundational technologies that power the internet are standardized. The W3C, on the other hand, focuses on developing web standards, guidelines, and protocols to ensure the long-term growth and accessibility of the World Wide Web, such as HTML, CSS, and accessibility guidelines.

Why other options are wrong

A. IETF is responsible for technical standards that make up the Internet protocol suite and W3C is the same as the WWW

This option is misleading because it incorrectly states that W3C is the same as the WWW. While the W3C influences the development of the web, it is not the same as the World Wide Web itself.

B. There is no difference, they are the same organisation under different names

This is incorrect because the IETF and W3C are two separate organizations with different missions and areas of focus.

D. W3C is responsible for technical standards that make up the Internet protocol suite and IETF develops protocols and guidelines that ensure the long term growth of the web

This is incorrect because the IETF, not the W3C, is responsible for the Internet protocol suite, and the W3C focuses on web technologies and standards rather than the fundamental Internet protocols.

Correct Answer D. Intangible components

Explanation

Smart, connected products are made up of physical components (like sensors, processors, and batteries), smart components (such as embedded software and algorithms that allow the product to "think" or process information), and connectivity (like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks that enable communication with other devices). Intangible components, however, are not a core element of these products. The focus is primarily on the physical and smart elements that enable the products to function and connect.

Why other options are wrong

A. Physical components

This is incorrect because physical components are essential to the functioning of smart, connected products. They provide the hardware that supports sensors, processing power, and interfaces.

B. Smart components

This is incorrect because smart components, including the embedded software, algorithms, and artificial intelligence used in these products, are fundamental to their ability to adapt, process data, and interact intelligently with users and other devices.

C. Connectivity

This is incorrect because connectivity is a critical element of smart, connected products. Without connectivity (via networks like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks), these products would not be able to communicate with other devices or the cloud, limiting their effectiveness.