Practical IoT Development with ESP32, MQTT, and AWS Cloud
AWS IoT Core for Beginners: Connect ESP32 & Build Real-World IoT Projects
What you’ll learn
- Understand the basics of MQTT protocol and how it enables IoT communication.
- Set up and configure AWS IoT Core to securely connect devices to the cloud.
- Implement remote device control using ESP32 microcontrollers.
- Control and monitor devices remotely using a Raspberry Pi Zero W.
- Build a simple Android app to send commands and receive data from IoT devices.
- Learn how to manage IoT device certificates, policies, and security on AWS.
Course Content
- Introduction –> 1 lecture • 6min.
- SECTION 2 :Setting Up the Environment –> 2 lectures • 19min.
- SECTION 3: AWS IoT Core Basics –> 6 lectures • 34min.
- SECTION 4: Connect ESP32 to AWS IoT Core –> 1 lecture • 11min.
- SECTION 5: Bi-Directional Communication –> 1 lecture • 6min.
- SECTION 6: Real-World Project #1: Smart Home Switch –> 1 lecture • 9min.
Requirements
AWS IoT Core for Beginners: Connect ESP32 & Build Real-World IoT Projects
Course Overview:This course helps beginners learn how to connect microcontrollers (like ESP32) to AWS IoT Core, send/receive messages via MQTT, and build smart IoT applications. No prior AWS or embedded experience is needed — everything is explained from scratch.
Target Audience
Beginners in IoT or AWS
Engineering students
Developers looking to get started with cloud + hardware Makers and hobbyists
Course Structure:
SECTION 1: Introduction to IoT and AWS IoT Core
What is IoT? Real-world use cases
Introduction to AWS IoT Core
Why AWS for IoT projects
Course overview and required tools
SECTION 2 :Setting Up the Environment
Create an AWS Free Tier account safelyInstall Arduino IDE for ESP32Install drivers, board packages (ESP32)Test ESP32 with a basic sketch (Blink)
SECTION 3: AWS IoT Core Basics
Understanding IoT Core architecture (Thing, Certificate, Policy)
Registering a new Thing
Creating and attaching certificates & policies
Understanding IoT endpoints
SECTION 4: Connect ESP32 to AWS IoT Core
Install PubSubClient and WiFiClientSecure libraries
Code: Connect ESP32 to Wi-Fi and AWS IoT
Upload and test MQTT message from ESP32 to AWS
SECTION 5: Bi-Directional Communication
Subscribe ESP32 to AWS topic
Send command from AWS IoT Core to ESP32 (e.g., LED ON/OFF)
Use AWS MQTT Test Client
SECTION 6: Real-World Project #1: Smart Home Switch
Project demo overview
Wiring and code explanation
Deploy and test