## 4 Application layer
### IoT for Smart Cities
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c} \hline
**Benefit** & **IoT-Based Smart Cities** \\ \hline Improved network efficiency & The IoT enables the integration and automation of various city systems, which enables real-time monitoring, data analysis, and optimization, leading to more efficient resource utilization and cost savings. Moreover, IoT devices often use low-power communication protocols, which reduces the strain on network resources. \\ \hline Increased scalability & The IoT paradigm supports a high level of scalability. This scalability allows smart cities to keep up with the increasing number of sensors, devices, and applications without compromising network performance. \\ \hline Improved citizen engagement & The IoT empowers citizens to actively participate in city processes through real-time data access and feedback mechanisms. This fosters community and encourages collaboration between residents and city authorities. \\ \hline Data-based decision making & The IoT generates a vast amount of data, which provides valuable insights for urban planning and policymaking. Data-based decision making helps city authorities to understand the needs and preferences of citizens, identify trends, and optimize resource allocation for effective governance. \\ \hline Remote management & The IoT networks enable the remote management and configuration of devices. This feature reduces the need for physical intervention and allows administrators to optimize network settings without disrupting operations. \\ \hline Support economic growth & Smart cities attract businesses, startups, and innovation hubs. IoT technologies create opportunities for new services, products, and industries, contributing to economic growth and job creation. \\ \hline Dynamic allocation of resources & The IoT networks can dynamically allocate network resources based on the demands of different applications. This resource management ensures that critical applications receive the required bandwidth, enhancing the overall network performance. \\ \hline Support of heterogeneous interfaces & IoT networks utilize various communication technologies, including cellular, Wi-Fi, and low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs). This diverse connectivity ecosystem ensures that devices can connect seamlessly, even in areas with varying coverage. \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 11: Benefits of deploying IoT for smart cities. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c} \hline
**Application Category** & **How Can It Benefit from IoT?** \\ \hline Infrastructure management & IoT sensors can monitor the condition of critical infrastructure in real time. These data enable proactive maintenance, early detection of faults, and efficient allocation of repair resources, enhancing public safety and reducing downtime. \\ \hline Sustainability & The IoT can help cities become more sustainable by monitoring and controlling energy consumption, reducing waste production, and optimizing resource allocation. Smart grids, for example, can balance energy demand and supply, integrate renewable energy sources, and reduce carbon emissions. \\ \hline Public safety & The IoT enables the implementation of smart surveillance systems, including video analytics, facial recognition, and sensor-based monitoring. These systems can enhance public safety by detecting and responding to incidents, managing crowd control, and providing timely emergency alerts. \\ \hline Healthcare & IoT devices can remotely monitor patients’ health conditions, leading to the early detection of health issues and timely interventions. \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 12: Main categories of applications of IoT-based smart city.