Abstract
As an emerging paradigm, the Internet of Things (IoT) aims to improve the quality of life by connecting smart objects and technologies. This chapter focuses on the smart home application of the IoT systems with in-depth reliability modelling and analysis of its physical layer, contributing towards the robust design and operations of smart home systems. The physical layer contains objects such as smart appliances and devices, home power generation units, and electrical panels. The smart meter is responsible for enabling the digital communication of information between the homeowner and the public grid. While functioning, the system undergoes dynamic behaviours that must be addressed in reliability modelling and analysis, including functional dependence, standby sparing, and phased-operation. The entire system is reliable when its static and dynamic parts are both functioning. Therefore, the entire system reliability is obtained as the product of mission reliability of the static sub-system and the dynamic sub-system.