19 Tool Discovery Hub

Find the Right Interactive Tool for Your Learning

19.1 Tool Discovery Hub

280+ Interactive Tools at Your Fingertips

This hub helps you discover and navigate the platform’s interactive tools. Filter by topic, difficulty, or learning objective to find exactly what you need.

19.2 Quick Tool Finder

Show code

toolDatabase = [
  // Protocol Tools
  {name: "Protocol Comparison Simulator", path: "../networking-and-communications/fundamentals/animations/protocol-comparison-simulator.qmd",
   category: "Protocols", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["comparison", "selection", "protocols"],
   description: "Compare up to 4 IoT protocols on range, power, bandwidth, and more",
   prerequisites: ["Basic networking concepts"], learnNext: ["Protocol Selection Guide", "Protocol Selector Wizard"]},

  {name: "Protocol Selection Guide", path: "../networking-and-communications/fundamentals/animations/protocol-selection-flowchart.qmd",
   category: "Protocols", difficulty: "Beginner", tags: ["protocol", "selection", "decision", "flowchart", "guide"],
   description: "Step-by-step guided selection of the optimal IoT protocol based on your requirements",
   prerequisites: [], learnNext: ["Protocol Comparison Simulator", "LoRaWAN Overview", "MQTT Fundamentals"]},

  {name: "MQTT Message Flow", path: "../networking-and-communications/animations/mqtt-pubsub.qmd",
   category: "Protocols", difficulty: "Beginner", tags: ["mqtt", "messaging", "pubsub"],
   description: "Visualize publish/subscribe messaging patterns",
   prerequisites: [], learnNext: ["MQTT Clustering", "CoAP Messages"]},

  {name: "LoRaWAN Spreading Factor Simulator", path: "../networking-and-communications/animations/lorawan-sf.qmd",
   category: "Protocols", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["lorawan", "lpwan", "wireless"],
   description: "Explore how spreading factor affects range and airtime",
   prerequisites: ["LoRaWAN basics"], learnNext: ["LoRaWAN ADR", "Path Loss Calculator"]},

  {name: "BLE State Machine", path: "../networking-and-communications/animations/ble-connection.qmd",
   category: "Protocols", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["bluetooth", "ble", "state-machine"],
   description: "Understand BLE connection states and transitions",
   prerequisites: ["BLE fundamentals"], learnNext: ["BLE Pairing", "BLE Mesh Relay"]},

  {name: "Zigbee Mesh Visualizer", path: "../networking-and-communications/animations/zigbee-mesh.qmd",
   category: "Protocols", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["zigbee", "mesh", "routing"],
   description: "See how Zigbee mesh networks form and route messages",
   prerequisites: ["Mesh networking basics"], learnNext: ["Thread Network", "Z-Wave Routing"]},

  // Architecture Tools
  {name: "PID Controller Tuner", path: "../architectures/foundations/animations/pid-tuner.qmd",
   category: "Control Systems", difficulty: "Advanced", tags: ["pid", "control", "tuning"],
   description: "Interactive PID tuning with real-time response visualization",
   prerequisites: ["Control theory basics", "Transfer functions"], learnNext: ["Motor Control Simulator"]},

  {name: "Sensor Fusion Calculator", path: "../architectures/foundations/animations/sensor-fusion-calculator.qmd",
   category: "Sensing", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["sensor-fusion", "kalman", "accuracy"],
   description: "Combine multiple sensor readings for improved accuracy",
   prerequisites: ["Statistics basics"], learnNext: ["Kalman Filter Simulator"]},

  {name: "Multi-Hop Network Simulator", path: "../architectures/foundations/animations/multi-hop-network.qmd",
   category: "Networking", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["routing", "mesh", "multi-hop"],
   description: "Simulate message routing through multi-hop networks",
   prerequisites: ["Network topology"], learnNext: ["Ad-Hoc Routing Visualizer", "RPL DODAG"]},

  {name: "Network Topology Simulator", path: "../architectures/foundations/animations/network-topology-simulator.qmd",
   category: "Networking", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["topology", "network-design", "star", "mesh", "tree"],
   description: "Design and analyze IoT network topologies including star, mesh, tree, ring, and hybrid configurations",
   prerequisites: ["Basic networking"], learnNext: ["Multi-Hop Network Simulator", "Ad-Hoc Routing Visualizer"]},

  {name: "Reference Architecture Builder", path: "../architectures/foundations/animations/reference-architecture.qmd",
   category: "Architecture", difficulty: "Advanced", tags: ["architecture", "design", "planning"],
   description: "Design complete IoT system architectures",
   prerequisites: ["IoT architecture fundamentals"], learnNext: ["Edge Cloud Decision Tool"]},

  {name: "SDN Flow Rule Builder", path: "../architectures/foundations/animations/sdn-flow-builder.qmd",
   category: "Networking", difficulty: "Advanced", tags: ["sdn", "networking", "flow-rules"],
   description: "Create and visualize software-defined networking rules",
   prerequisites: ["SDN concepts", "Network layers"], learnNext: ["Network Segmentation Visualizer"]},

  // Data Management Tools
  {name: "Database Selection Tool", path: "../data-management-and-analytics/animations/database-selector.qmd",
   category: "Data", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["database", "selection", "storage"],
   description: "Choose the right database for your IoT data needs",
   prerequisites: ["Database basics"], learnNext: ["Query Analyzer", "Big Data Pipeline"]},

  {name: "Edge vs Cloud Decision Tool", path: "../data-management-and-analytics/animations/edge-cloud-decision.qmd",
   category: "Architecture", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["edge", "cloud", "decision"],
   description: "Decide where to process your IoT data",
   prerequisites: ["Edge computing concepts"], learnNext: ["Big Data Pipeline", "Reference Architecture"]},

  {name: "Kalman Filter Simulator", path: "../data-management-and-analytics/animations/kalman-filter.qmd",
   category: "Signal Processing", difficulty: "Advanced", tags: ["kalman", "filtering", "estimation"],
   description: "Visualize Kalman filtering for state estimation",
   prerequisites: ["Linear algebra", "Probability"], learnNext: ["Sensor Fusion Calculator"]},

  {name: "Query Performance Analyzer", path: "../data-management-and-analytics/animations/query-analyzer.qmd",
   category: "Data", difficulty: "Advanced", tags: ["query", "performance", "optimization"],
   description: "Analyze and optimize time-series queries",
   prerequisites: ["SQL basics", "Time-series concepts"], learnNext: ["Database Selection Tool"]},

  // Security Tools
  {name: "Zero Trust Policy Simulator", path: "../privacy-and-security/animations/zero-trust-simulator.qmd",
   category: "Security", difficulty: "Advanced", tags: ["security", "zero-trust", "policy"],
   description: "Design and test zero-trust security policies",
   prerequisites: ["Security fundamentals"], learnNext: ["Network Segmentation", "Privacy Compliance"]},

  {name: "Security Posture Assessment", path: "../privacy-and-security/animations/security-posture-assessment.qmd",
   category: "Security", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["security", "assessment", "audit", "compliance"],
   description: "Evaluate IoT deployment security across 8 domains with prioritized recommendations",
   prerequisites: ["Security basics"], learnNext: ["Zero Trust Simulator", "Threat Model Builder"]},

  {name: "Network Segmentation Visualizer", path: "../privacy-and-security/animations/network-segmentation-visualizer.qmd",
   category: "Security", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["security", "network", "segmentation"],
   description: "Design secure network zones and segments",
   prerequisites: ["Network basics"], learnNext: ["Zero Trust Simulator"]},

  {name: "Privacy Compliance Checker", path: "../privacy-and-security/animations/privacy-compliance.qmd",
   category: "Security", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["privacy", "gdpr", "compliance"],
   description: "Check IoT system privacy compliance",
   prerequisites: ["Privacy regulations awareness"], learnNext: ["Zero Trust Simulator"]},

  // Design Tools
  {name: "Power Budget Calculator", path: "../design-strategies-and-prototyping/animations/power-budget.qmd",
   category: "Design", difficulty: "Beginner", tags: ["power", "battery", "energy"],
   description: "Calculate battery life for IoT devices",
   prerequisites: [], learnNext: ["Power Consumption Calculator", "Context-Aware Energy Optimizer"]},

  {name: "Power Consumption Calculator", path: "../design-strategies-and-prototyping/animations/power-consumption-calculator.qmd",
   category: "Design", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["power", "consumption", "battery-life", "duty-cycle", "optimization"],
   description: "Calculate detailed power consumption with duty cycling, estimate battery life, and explore optimization strategies",
   prerequisites: ["Basic power concepts"], learnNext: ["Context-Aware Energy Optimizer", "Hardware Selection Optimizer"]},

  {name: "Hardware Selection Optimizer", path: "../design-strategies-and-prototyping/animations/hardware-selector.qmd",
   category: "Design", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["hardware", "selection", "components"],
   description: "Choose the right microcontroller and components",
   prerequisites: ["Basic electronics"], learnNext: ["Power Budget Calculator"]},

  {name: "Troubleshooting Simulator", path: "../design-strategies-and-prototyping/animations/troubleshooting-simulator.qmd",
   category: "Debugging", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["troubleshooting", "debugging", "diagnostics"],
   description: "Practice systematic IoT debugging",
   prerequisites: ["Basic IoT knowledge"], learnNext: ["Packet Analyzer"]},

  // Sensing Tools
  {name: "Sensor Calibration Tool", path: "../sensing-and-actuation/animations/sensor-calibration.qmd",
   category: "Sensing", difficulty: "Beginner", tags: ["sensors", "calibration", "accuracy"],
   description: "Learn sensor calibration techniques",
   prerequisites: [], learnNext: ["Sensor Fusion Calculator", "ADC Sampling"]},

  {name: "RC Filter Designer", path: "../sensing-and-actuation/animations/rc-filter-designer.qmd",
   category: "Signal Processing", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["filter", "analog", "noise"],
   description: "Design analog filters for sensor signals",
   prerequisites: ["Basic electronics"], learnNext: ["ADC Sampling", "Kalman Filter"]},

  {name: "Circuit Analysis Solver", path: "../sensing-and-actuation/animations/circuit-solver.qmd",
   category: "Electronics", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["circuits", "analysis", "electronics"],
   description: "Analyze basic sensor circuits",
   prerequisites: ["Ohm's law"], learnNext: ["RC Filter Designer"]},

  // Application Tools
  {name: "IoT Use Case Builder", path: "../applications-and-use-cases/animations/use-case-builder.qmd",
   category: "Applications", difficulty: "Beginner", tags: ["use-case", "requirements", "planning"],
   description: "Define and document IoT use cases",
   prerequisites: [], learnNext: ["Business Model Canvas", "Reference Architecture"]},

  {name: "Business Model Canvas", path: "../applications-and-use-cases/animations/business-model-canvas.qmd",
   category: "Business", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["business", "planning", "strategy"],
   description: "Create IoT business models",
   prerequisites: ["Use case understanding"], learnNext: ["Industry 4.0 Maturity Assessor"]},

  {name: "Industry 4.0 Maturity Assessor", path: "../applications-and-use-cases/animations/industry40-maturity.qmd",
   category: "Industrial", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["industry4.0", "maturity", "assessment"],
   description: "Assess digital transformation readiness",
   prerequisites: ["Industry 4.0 concepts"], learnNext: ["Business Model Canvas"]},

  // Human Factors Tools
  {name: "UX Design Evaluation Tool", path: "../human-factors-and-interaction/animations/ux-evaluator.qmd",
   category: "UX", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["ux", "usability", "design"],
   description: "Evaluate IoT interface usability",
   prerequisites: ["UX basics"], learnNext: ["Location Selector"]},

  {name: "Location Technology Selector", path: "../human-factors-and-interaction/animations/location-selector.qmd",
   category: "Location", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["location", "positioning", "gps"],
   description: "Choose the right positioning technology",
   prerequisites: ["Location concepts"], learnNext: ["UWB TWR", "Path Loss Calculator"]},

  // Fundamentals Tools
  {name: "Binary & Hex Converter", path: "../fundamentals/animations/binary-hex-converter.qmd",
   category: "Fundamentals", difficulty: "Beginner", tags: ["binary", "hex", "conversion", "data"],
   description: "Convert between binary, decimal, and hexadecimal with IoT examples",
   prerequisites: [], learnNext: ["ADC Resolution Visualizer", "Data Representation"]},

  {name: "Sampling Visualizer", path: "../fundamentals/animations/sampling-visualizer.qmd",
   category: "Signal Processing", difficulty: "Beginner", tags: ["sampling", "nyquist", "aliasing", "signals"],
   description: "Understand Nyquist sampling and aliasing effects",
   prerequisites: [], learnNext: ["ADC Resolution Visualizer", "RC Filter Designer"]},

  {name: "ADC Resolution Visualizer", path: "../fundamentals/animations/adc-resolution-visualizer.qmd",
   category: "Sensing", difficulty: "Beginner", tags: ["adc", "resolution", "quantization", "sensors"],
   description: "Visualize how ADC resolution affects sensor measurements",
   prerequisites: ["Binary basics"], learnNext: ["Sensor Calibration Tool", "Sampling Visualizer"]},

  {name: "Wireless Range Calculator", path: "../fundamentals/animations/wireless-range-calculator.qmd",
   category: "Networking", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["wireless", "range", "link-budget", "path-loss"],
   description: "Calculate expected wireless range using link budget analysis",
   prerequisites: ["Basic RF concepts"], learnNext: ["Path Loss Calculator", "Protocol Comparison"]},

  {name: "Protocol State Machine Playground", path: "../networking-and-communications/fundamentals/animations/protocol-state-playground.qmd",
   category: "Protocols", difficulty: "Intermediate", tags: ["mqtt", "coap", "ble", "state-machine", "visualization"],
   description: "Interactive protocol state machine visualization with step-through scenarios",
   prerequisites: ["Protocol basics"], learnNext: ["MQTT Message Flow", "BLE State Machine"]},

  {name: "Visual Concept Map", path: "concept-map-visual.qmd",
   category: "Learning", difficulty: "Beginner", tags: ["concepts", "learning", "navigation", "overview"],
   description: "Interactive graph showing how IoT concepts connect and build on each other",
   prerequisites: [], learnNext: ["Knowledge Map", "Learning Path Generator"]},

  {name: "Discussion Prompts Hub", path: "discussion-prompts-hub.qmd",
   category: "Learning", difficulty: "Beginner", tags: ["discussion", "debate", "collaboration", "peer-learning"],
   description: "Structured debate topics and discussion prompts for study groups",
   prerequisites: [], learnNext: ["Quiz Hub", "Concept Map"]},

  {name: "Quick Reference Cards", path: "quick-reference-cards.qmd",
   category: "Reference", difficulty: "Beginner", tags: ["cheatsheet", "reference", "formulas", "quick-guide"],
   description: "Condensed protocol cheat sheets, formulas, pin-outs, and code patterns",
   prerequisites: [], learnNext: ["Formula Calculator", "Protocol Comparison"]},

  {name: "IoT Formula Calculator", path: "../fundamentals/animations/formula-calculator.qmd",
   category: "Fundamentals", difficulty: "Beginner", tags: ["calculator", "formulas", "link-budget", "battery", "adc"],
   description: "Calculate link budget, battery life, ADC parameters, data rates, and unit conversions",
   prerequisites: [], learnNext: ["Wireless Range Calculator", "Power Budget Calculator"]},

  {name: "Code Snippet Library", path: "code-snippet-library.qmd",
   category: "Reference", difficulty: "Beginner", tags: ["code", "snippets", "examples", "copy-paste", "arduino", "esp32"],
   description: "100+ copy-paste ready code snippets for sensors, MQTT, HTTP, BLE, LoRa, and more",
   prerequisites: [], learnNext: ["Quick Reference Cards", "Troubleshooting Hub"]},

  {name: "Troubleshooting Flowchart", path: "troubleshooting-flowchart.qmd",
   category: "Debugging", difficulty: "Beginner", tags: ["debug", "troubleshoot", "wifi", "mqtt", "sensor", "flowchart"],
   description: "Interactive decision trees to diagnose Wi-Fi, MQTT, sensor, power, and serial issues",
   prerequisites: [], learnNext: ["Code Snippet Library", "Failure Case Studies"]},

  {name: "Learning Recommendations", path: "learning-recommendations.qmd",
   category: "Learning", difficulty: "Beginner", tags: ["recommendations", "personalized", "progress", "goals", "learning-path"],
   description: "Get personalized learning recommendations based on your progress and goals",
   prerequisites: [], learnNext: ["Concept Map", "Tool Discovery Hub"]}
]

categories = [...new Set(toolDatabase.map(t => t.category))].sort()
difficulties = ["Beginner", "Intermediate", "Advanced"]

viewof filterCategory = Inputs.select(["All Categories", ...categories], {
  label: "Category:",
  value: "All Categories"
})

viewof filterDifficulty = Inputs.select(["All Levels", ...difficulties], {
  label: "Difficulty:",
  value: "All Levels"
})

viewof searchTerm = Inputs.text({
  label: "Search:",
  placeholder: "e.g., mqtt, power, sensor..."
})

Show code

filteredTools = {
  let results = toolDatabase;

  if (filterCategory !== "All Categories") {
    results = results.filter(t => t.category === filterCategory);
  }

  if (filterDifficulty !== "All Levels") {
    results = results.filter(t => t.difficulty === filterDifficulty);
  }

  if (searchTerm && searchTerm.length > 0) {
    const term = searchTerm.toLowerCase();
    results = results.filter(t =>
      t.name.toLowerCase().includes(term) ||
      t.description.toLowerCase().includes(term) ||
      t.tags.some(tag => tag.includes(term))
    );
  }

  return results;
}

html`
<div style="margin: 20px 0; padding: 10px; background: #f0f0f0; border-radius: 8px;">
  Found <strong>${filteredTools.length}</strong> tools matching your criteria
</div>

<div style="display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fill, minmax(350px, 1fr)); gap: 20px;">
  ${filteredTools.map(tool => html`
    <div style="background: white; border-radius: 12px; box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); overflow: hidden;">
      <div style="background: ${tool.difficulty === 'Beginner' ? '#27AE60' : tool.difficulty === 'Intermediate' ? '#F39C12' : '#E74C3C'};
                  color: white; padding: 3px 10px; font-size: 12px; display: inline-block; margin: 10px 10px 0 10px; border-radius: 10px;">
        ${tool.difficulty}
      </div>
      <div style="padding: 10px 15px 15px 15px;">
        <h4 style="margin: 5px 0 10px 0;">
          <a href="${tool.path}" style="color: #2C3E50; text-decoration: none;">
            ${tool.name}
          </a>
        </h4>
        <p style="color: #666; font-size: 14px; margin: 0 0 10px 0;">${tool.description}</p>
        <div style="display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
          <span style="background: #E8F4FD; padding: 2px 8px; border-radius: 10px; font-size: 11px; color: #2C3E50;">
            ${tool.category}
          </span>
          ${tool.tags.slice(0, 3).map(tag => html`
            <span style="background: #f0f0f0; padding: 2px 8px; border-radius: 10px; font-size: 11px; color: #666;">
              ${tag}
            </span>
          `)}
        </div>
        ${tool.prerequisites.length > 0 ? html`
          <div style="font-size: 12px; color: #999;">
            <strong>Prerequisites:</strong> ${tool.prerequisites.join(", ")}
          </div>
        ` : ""}
      </div>
    </div>
  `)}
</div>
`

19.3 Learning Paths

Structured sequences of tools to build specific skills:

19.3.1 Path 1: IoT Protocol Mastery

%%{init: {'theme': 'base', 'themeVariables': {'primaryColor': '#E8F4F8', 'primaryTextColor': '#2C3E50', 'primaryBorderColor': '#16A085', 'lineColor': '#16A085'}}}%%
flowchart LR
    A[Protocol Comparison] --> B[MQTT Flow]
    B --> C[LoRaWAN SF]
    C --> D[BLE States]
    D --> E[Zigbee Mesh]

    style A fill:#D5F4E6,stroke:#27AE60
    style B fill:#D5F4E6,stroke:#27AE60
    style C fill:#FEF5E7,stroke:#F39C12
    style D fill:#FEF5E7,stroke:#F39C12
    style E fill:#FEF5E7,stroke:#F39C12

19.3.2 Path 2: Power Optimization

%%{init: {'theme': 'base', 'themeVariables': {'primaryColor': '#E8F4F8', 'primaryTextColor': '#2C3E50', 'primaryBorderColor': '#16A085', 'lineColor': '#16A085'}}}%%
flowchart LR
    A[Power Budget] --> B[Hardware Selector]
    B --> C[Context Energy]
    C --> D[LoRaWAN ADR]

    style A fill:#D5F4E6,stroke:#27AE60
    style B fill:#FEF5E7,stroke:#F39C12
    style C fill:#FADBD8,stroke:#E74C3C
    style D fill:#FEF5E7,stroke:#F39C12

19.3.3 Path 3: Data Pipeline Design

%%{init: {'theme': 'base', 'themeVariables': {'primaryColor': '#E8F4F8', 'primaryTextColor': '#2C3E50', 'primaryBorderColor': '#16A085', 'lineColor': '#16A085'}}}%%
flowchart LR
    A[Database Selector] --> B[Edge Cloud Decision]
    B --> C[Big Data Pipeline]
    C --> D[Query Analyzer]

    style A fill:#FEF5E7,stroke:#F39C12
    style B fill:#FEF5E7,stroke:#F39C12
    style C fill:#FADBD8,stroke:#E74C3C
    style D fill:#FADBD8,stroke:#E74C3C

19.3.4 Path 4: Security Design

%%{init: {'theme': 'base', 'themeVariables': {'primaryColor': '#E8F4F8', 'primaryTextColor': '#2C3E50', 'primaryBorderColor': '#16A085', 'lineColor': '#16A085'}}}%%
flowchart LR
    A[Network Segmentation] --> B[Zero Trust]
    B --> C[Privacy Compliance]

    style A fill:#FEF5E7,stroke:#F39C12
    style B fill:#FADBD8,stroke:#E74C3C
    style C fill:#FEF5E7,stroke:#F39C12

19.4 Tools by Chapter

Quick links to tools organized by where they appear in the book:

Part	Key Tools
Fundamentals	Protocol Comparison, Binary Converter
Architecture	Sensor Fusion, PID Tuner, Multi-Hop Network
Networking	MQTT Flow, LoRaWAN SF, BLE States
Data	Database Selector, Edge Cloud, Kalman Filter
Security	Zero Trust, Network Segmentation
Design	Power Budget, Troubleshooting