IoT or Internet of Things is the network of devices able to exchange data over the Internet. It is a broad ecosystem of devices interacting with each other, rather than just a single device.
The IoT started as an affordable home monitoring system, but it has grown into a fully-fledged technology where every new connected device adds value to our lives life and makes things easier.
A simple explanation would be that anything that can be connected to the internet is IoT. Everything from fitness trackers, smart home devices, and smart cars are IoT devices because they are connected to the internet.
How Does the Internet of Things Work?
The IoT is a large network of devices; everything from smart homes to wearables, to smart workplaces, that can connect via the internet. The data that is generated by these devices can be collected, stored, and/or analyzed. This data can then be used to make well-versed decisions.
In a smart home, for example, a smart thermostat can collect data about the temperature, humidity, and air quality in the house. It can analyze this data, and then make decisions about the best way to keep your house at a certain temperature.
If it notices that the humidity levels are too high, it can open a window to let some air in.
Types of IoT
There are many types of Internet of Things. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Smart Home
This is the most common type of IoT. It includes the devices that allow you to control your home’s devices remotely, like smart lights, thermostats, and security systems.
Industrial IoT
This IoT is used in manufacturing and production industries. It can be used for monitoring and controlling machines, tracking inventory, and improving workflows.
Wearables
This includes smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart rings, etc. These devices collect data about your health and fitness and can store the data for future use.
Autonomous Vehicles
These are self-driving cars, trains, and other vehicles that don’t require a human to operate them.
Why is IoT Becoming So Popular?
As IoT devices become more affordable and easier to use, the Internet of Things is becoming more and more common. Here are a few reasons why the IoT is becoming more and more popular:
Improved Technology
Newer technologies such as 5G, AI, and Blockchain are making the IoT more powerful and useful.
Better Security
Companies are also investing more in securing their IoT devices, which will make them more useful.
New Applications
IoT applications are becoming more common and useful for people. New Business Models IoT devices can now generate their income through data, which makes them more profitable.
Benefits of IoT
The Internet of Things can be used in various industries, including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and transportation.
Below are the benefits of the IoT:
- It is making life easier for everyone
The Internet of Things can make our lives easier in many ways: from voice-activated home assistants like Amazon Echo or Google Home, which control lights and thermostats in our homes.
Smart locks that allow us to unlock doors using our smartphones.
Wearable fitness trackers that track our steps and heart rates and even smart refrigerators that know when food needs replenishing before we do.
- Energy efficiency
The IoT can allow companies to manage energy usage more efficiently by monitoring energy usage patterns and taking action if they detect an anomaly in energy usage. This could include adjusting temperature settings or turning off or on lights based on occupancy levels.
- Improved business processes
The IoT can help businesses improve their process management by detecting potential problems before they arise. For example, an appliance manufacturer may be able to detect when one component needs to be replaced before it fails so that it can order replacement parts ahead of time.
- Consumers’ satisfaction
The IoT can allow consumers to interact with products in new ways that enhance their experience with those products. For instance, a refrigerator could tell its owner when milk is about to expire so that he or she doesn’t have to use it.
- It is getting smarter
The more devices there are connected, the smarter they get. IoT takes advantage of machine learning algorithms that collect data from millions of devices worldwide and make them smarter with each new connection made between devices all without human intervention or programming required.
- Improved productivity
Workers can be more productive with the help of IoT devices. They can track their time and productivity, and receive coaching from their managers.
- Improved health
People are now able to track their health and fitness and get medical advice. They can also use wearable devices for fitness and medical reasons.
- Better customer service
Companies can be more quick to respond to their customers. Customers can also be more responsive to the companies they do business with.
- Better security
IoT devices can be used to collect data and improve security in companies and homes. They can also be used to monitor security and send notifications in case of an emergency.
- Better connectivity
IoT devices can help you stay connected to people, places, and products all over the world.
Dangers of the Internet of Things?
The goal of the IoT is to allow for communication between objects and people to improve efficiency and create new business opportunities.
The rise of IoT has been swift, with more than one billion connected devices now in use worldwide. However, as the number of connected devices continues to grow, so does security risk.
Here are the dangers of IoT:
Safety risks
Connected cars, medical devices, and other equipment can be hacked and controlled remotely. In 2013, hackers took control of traffic lights in Washington DC causing gridlock on major roads.
Data breaches
Hackers can access sensitive data stored on connected devices and use it for their purposes such as stealing credit card numbers or stealing personal information from health records.
A recent report found that 90 percent of organizations have been breached by hackers at some point. The number of records stolen from organizations will likely continue to increase as more businesses adopt IoT technologies into their operations.
Legal challenges
IoT devices can be used for malicious purposes, such as a cyberattack or hacking. Apart from cybersecurity issues, IoT devices can also have privacy implications.
Conclusion
The confluence of the Internet of Things has the potential to create new opportunities in the consumer industry. However, it also opens up a host of security concerns that must be addressed.
For IoT to live up to its promise, users and manufacturers must work together by focusing on making computing devices secure while also building strong encryption into networked devices.
