Internet of Things (IoT) Practice Exam

What is the main role of an IoT gateway?

1. To provide power to connected devices

2. To manage data flow between devices and cloud services

3. To connect devices directly to the internet

4. To serve as a firewall for security

The correct answer is: To manage data flow between devices and cloud services

The main role of an IoT gateway is to manage data flow between devices and cloud services. IoT gateways act as intermediaries that collect and process data from various devices before sending it to the cloud for storage or further analysis. They are crucial in enabling communication between different devices that may use various communication protocols and standards. In many IoT architectures, gateways perform essential tasks such as filtering, aggregating, and analyzing data locally to reduce bandwidth and enhance efficiency. While other options highlight important aspects of IoT systems, they do not encompass the primary function of the gateway. Providing power to connected devices is more aligned with the role of sources or power management systems. Similarly, connecting devices directly to the internet is typically straightforward and lacks the complexity and management roles that gateways fulfill. Serving as a firewall is a critical function concerning network security, but it is just one of many potential security aspects and does not capture the primary data management responsibilities of an IoT gateway.