Understanding IoT (Internet of Things)
What is IoT? IoT is short for the internet of things, but for those of us who are still trying to get their heads around the concept, that’s hardly an explanation. You may have heard the term IoT floated around at work, at a networking function, on a podcast or somewhere in the passing. You may have wondered about what relevance IoT may or may not have in your life.
There’s a whole lot to talk about regarding IoT within the tech industry but before discussing anything technically specific or advanced, let’s start with the basics.
IoT Basics
In order to grasp IoT basics, you’re going to need to understand a few basics. The first point of importance is the fact that broadband availability is on the rise everywhere in the world. The next point of importance is that smartphone ownership is also on a steady rise, according to statistics. Finally, the number of devices that offer internet connectivity or IoT devices (internet of things devices) have increased exponentially in the past few years as sources suggest. The combination of the three points above, as well as a decrease in expenses relating to technology, has resulted in IoT blowing up in a sense.
How do you Define IoT?
IoT can loosely be defined as a system that is made up of a collection of technological devices with computing abilities. These devices are provided what are known as UIDs (unique identifiers) and have the ability to communicate over networks without the need for human intervention of any kind. All devices connected over them make up what is called IoT or the internet of things. This would include bio-surgical devices like pacemakers and other sensors used for research. In other words, you could say it’s a massive network of various elements (things) connected over the internet.
IoT isn’t a new concept. It was first referred to back in 1999 by Kevin Ashton, co-founder of MIT’s audio-ID center according to sources.
How Does IoT Work?
Devices that make up the IoT network are configured with components which include sensory equipment, processing chips, communication hardware, and more. The function of such components is the collection, processing, and action on the accumulated data.
The way in which data is collected and processed within these devices, as well as the other devices they communicate to and share information with, is determined based on set pre-determined protocols. Little to no human intervention is required after the deployment of determining IoT applications. Though devices operate as programmed, the data within and any conclusive information relating to the same can be accessed by human operators.
How Does IoT Relate to Me?
We’re guessing you’ve got a basic sense of IoT, what it’s about and how it operates. You may now be wondering how IoT relates to you and what impact it has on your life. This should not come as a surprise, but IoT is already well integrated into almost every aspect of life; professional, recreational, and otherwise. You’ve got smart devices used within the home which include everything from sound and lighting systems to toasters and kitchen equipment.
Apart from this, IoT is essential for several business processes. Some of these include but are not restricted to production, customer care, and even data accumulation and processing for the improvement of future products or services. Customer spending habits and other useful data relating to finance can also be obtained and processed via IoT systems.
IoT is also useful when it comes to medical research and healthcare as important data can be gathered from large groups. IoT is even being tapped into by municipalities of certain cities and spaces. Smart cities as they are called used IoT to help with resource management as well as with processes such as waste mitigation.
We can safely say that in the next few years, most things around us will be part of the IoT system in some capacity or another.
Tying It Together
Technically speaking, there is a whole lot more you can learn about IoT. Currently, there is much debate regarding IoT safety with regard to data protection and confidentiality. At the same time, the numerous benefits that IoT seems to offer cannot be ignored, and the current global trend seems to be one where more industries and businesses are embracing IoT technology.
If not abused, IoT systems can help us optimize processes relating to healthcare, business, finance, and pretty much everything else under the sun. It can help us collect valuable data and speed up our grasp on how the same can be applied. Furthermore, it can provide us useful insight into areas of study or demographics that we wish to penetrate.
As someone aiming to be a part of the modern workforce or even exist today, a basic understanding of IoT is essential. We hope this blog has provided you with a detailed understanding of IoT.
