## 3 Methodology: Operating System and Hardware Selection
### Hardware  
In this subsection, we describe the considered hardware, covering Intel, Raspberry Pi, and Zolertia options. Intel. Edison (discontinued): A micro sized computing module that was proposed as competitor to other system-on-chip (SoC) options. The device is a secure digital (SD) card sized SoC aimed at creating direct competition with Arduino and Raspberry Pi offerings. Edison utilised an Intel Atom Silvermont-based chip created to compete with ARM-based micro-architectures. It is based on a 32-bit system [38] and was discontinued in 2017 [39]. Raspberry Pi Pico: The Pico is based on a micro controller architecture, making the device incredibly accessible. However, it does have a few limitations due to this: a lack of networking capabilities is one of them [40]. Due to the lack of this feature, many modification kits exist to enable networking on the Pico. An example of such can be sourced from Pimorini [41]. Another option is to utilise [PERSON]'s [42] 'Pico networking framework', which bases its operation on an off-the-shelf component that can be connected to the device through its various I/O ports. The system creates a virtual Ethernet MAC stack within software. It incorporates an implementation of lwIP protocol suite to handle Ethernet connectivity. However, this option under-clocks the Pico to 50 MHz to match the clock of the Ethernet port and does not support many IPv4 protocols. Zero and Zero 2 W: Are essentially fully-fledged computers with Linux-based operating systems [40]. These systems are incredibly popular with DIY projects offering great aftermarket support. The Zero is ARMv6 based and uses a 32-bit architecture, whereas the Zero 2 is ARMv8-A based and uses a 64-bit architecture. The Zero 2, however, is unfortunately largely unavailable due to the post-pandemic chip shortage. Both devices feature a 40-pin general purpose input/output (GPIO) interface fully accessible within the software layer [40], allowing for multiple vectors of use within the industrial or hobby sector. Zolertia Z1: Is a very popular option within research fields and is featured as a device within a Cooja simulator [43]. It is an ARM Cortex-based device. However, it is now discontinued and unavailable to buy anywhere. Zolertia Firefly: Is a possible successor to the Z1; it is also ARM Cortex-based and can be purchased from Zolertia themselves. The device retails in the region of 50\(\&\) and are featured within IoT-Lab [44] and Cooja. When considering price and performance, the choices fall into the Raspberry Pi family. However, to replicate the hardware as closely as possible, a micro controller-esque device would be a closer match. A Zolertia Firefly is a good option for the study, although they are very difficult to source and is a slightly more expansive option. In addition, Firefly would require additional communication hardware to interface with it (a JTAG-ulator for example). A Pico with a hard-wired Ethernet port (networking) is a much cheaper device; however, software-wise, it unfortunately falls short, largely due to it not supporting any stand-alone operating systems. Due to this being a custom device, there is a high likelihood of device malfunction which could set the study back. The Raspberry Pi Zero is the best option second to the modified Raspberry Pi Pico. The device is still based on a 32-bit architecture with low power draw and aligns itself with similar embedded devices. Another large plus of the proposition is its low price and large availability. Table 2 summarises the hardware options available. This comparison is based on CPU architectures, community support, wireless connectivity support, price, availability on the market, any extras needed such as additional SD cards or software, and finally the support for our selected operating systems. From the hardware devices initially identified, there are many that fit the criteria of the study, often even including wireless communication possibilities and large community support to provide help.