Linux OS, A Central Piece of IoT and Smart City Devices

JiChen Jian, hardware lead at VizioSense

When you use your smartphone, stream a video online, or even rely on a city’s connected traffic lights—there’s a good chance Linux is running in the background.Linux is an open-source operating system, much like Windows or macOS, but far more customizable. This flexibility has made it the backbone of modern technologies, from Android phones to cloud servers, and increasingly, Smart City and IoT devices.

Sensors, surveillance cameras, traffic management systems, and edge devices all rely on embedded Linux systems to function reliably and efficiently. Choosing the right Linux distribution is not just a technical detail—it directly impacts how secure, performant, and maintainable these devices will be throughout their lifecycle.

This article explores several widely used Linux options for Smart City and IoT applications, including the Yocto Project and Ubuntu, outlining their key strengths so you can identify the best solution for your project needs.

Yocto Project: Customizable Linux for IoT and Embedded Devices

The Yocto Project is a flexible framework that allows developers to build custom Linux distributions tailored precisely to their hardware and application requirements. Instead of using a generic, one-size-fits-all OS, Yocto gives you the power to create a lean, efficient system that includes only the necessary components.

Key advantages of Yocto for Smart Cities and IoT include:

• High customization: Build an OS perfectly suited to your hardware and application needs, eliminating unnecessary features to optimize performance.

• Small footprint: Perfect for devices with limited processing power, memory, or storage—like sensors or compact edge devices. It’s especially useful for battery-powered devices or those running on photovoltaic panels, where energy efficiency is essential.

• Long-term maintainability: Yocto supports secure and stable software updates, which is crucial for devices deployed in the field for many years. With over-the-air (OTA) updates, you can remotely update your devices without needing physical access—making maintenance much easier and more reliable.

• Hardware adaptability: Especially useful for new or specialized hardware where pre-built distributions are unavailable.

  
  

Yocto is an excellent choice when efficiency, security, and long-term support are top priorities for resource-constrained or specialized embedded devices.

Ubuntu: Developer-Friendly Linux for Smart City Applications

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions in the world. It is easy to use, has a large selection of software, and strong community support. For embedded and IoT applications, Ubuntu Core provides a minimal, secure version tailored for reliable deployments in the field.

Ubuntu offers several benefits:

• Ease of use: Offers a wide range of pre-built packages and software, making development faster and simpler.

• Strong community and support: Benefit from extensive documentation, active forums, and professional backing.

• Regular updates and security patches: Keep your devices secure and up to date with continuous improvements.

• Ubuntu Core: Features transactional updates and strong application confinement through snaps, ensuring reliable and secure deployments.

• Rich ecosystem: Seamlessly integrates with cloud services and analytics platforms commonly used in Smart City solutions.

Ubuntu is best suited for devices that can accommodate a more full-featured operating system and require fast deployment or complex application integration.

Other Linux Options for Smart Cities and IoT

While Yocto and Ubuntu dominate many deployments, other Linux systems also serve specific Smart City and IoT use cases:

• Buildroot: A lightweight tool for quickly creating simple embedded Linux systems. It is easier to use than Yocto but offers less customization for complex projects.

• OpenWrt: Focused on networking devices like routers and gateways, OpenWrt is optimized for managing network traffic and security, which can be useful in Smart City communication infrastructures.

• Alpine Linux: A minimal, security-oriented distribution commonly used in container environments. It’s suitable for lightweight devices requiring a small footprint and strong security.

Key Factors in Choosing the Right Linux for Smart City Devices

Choosing the right Linux system for your Smart City or embedded application requires careful consideration of several important factors:

• Hardware Constraints

Evaluate the processing power, memory, storage, and energy availability of your target device. Lightweight and highly customizable systems like Yocto are ideal for resource-constrained devices such as sensors or battery-powered edge nodes. More feature-rich distributions like Ubuntu require more robust hardware but offer greater functionality out of the box.

• Development Resources

Consider the skills and size of your development team. Yocto demands a deeper understanding of Linux system building and customization, which may require more time and expertise. In contrast, Ubuntu and Debian offer easier setups with pre-built packages, which can accelerate development and reduce complexity.

• Project Complexity

The complexity and scale of your project play a major role. For simple or prototype devices, Buildroot or OpenWrt might be sufficient and quicker to deploy. More complex applications that require cloud integration, security, and frequent updates may benefit from Ubuntu Core or a custom Yocto build.

• Long-Term Maintenance

Smart City deployments often run for many years, making long-term maintenance and security updates crucial. Choose a system that supports secure, stable software updates—preferably with remote update capabilities like OTA (Over-The-Air) updates. Distributions with active communities and long-term support cycles, such as Debian and Ubuntu, simplify ongoing maintenance.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Linux System for Smart Cities and IoT

Selecting the right Linux system is essential for the success of any Smart City or embedded application. The right choice ensures devices operate securely, efficiently, and remain maintainable over time. By aligning your project’s hardware capabilities, development resources, and long-term goals with the strengths of each Linux option, you can build a robust, scalable infrastructure ready to meet the demands of modern Smart City environments.

At Viziosense, our AI-powered sensors and IoT solutions are built on reliable Linux foundations. From smart parking to flow analytics, we ensure cities can count on secure, efficient, and future-ready technology.

👉 Want to know more about how Viziosense powers Smart Cities with AIoT? Discover our solutions here 🌐