Internet of Things Explained
The Internet of Things, also known as IoT, refers to all physical devices connected to the internet that collects and shares data. Smart devices and wireless networks have shrunk the world into a well-connected village.
Today, something small as a pin to something huge as an Airbus can be connected to the internet to become part of IoT.
By adding sensors and connecting them online, these devices gain digital intelligence where they create, collect and share data within the internet framework without human intervention.
The Internet of Things has made the world more innovative and responsive by merging physical and digital universes.
How Does IoT Work?
Any tangible object can become an IoT device. It’s fixed to connect to the internet and transformed to communicate information. The Internet of Things is popular in the smart home concept. It helps run devices and appliances such as:
- Home security systems
- Lighting fixtures
- Cameras
- Thermostats
The Internet of Things works on devices supporting single or multiple ecosystems. Devices such as smart speakers or phones within the ecosystem can control the entire system. Use the controlling device to switch lights on/off and set the smart thermostat through the integrated motion sensor.
The Internet of Things range of devices is broad; it encompasses the components in your child’s smart doll to serious stuff such as driverless trucks. Modern-day jet engines are littered with sensors that collect and transmit data.
Intelligent cities incorporate millions of sensors to collect and share information to understand better and control the environment.
Note: The Internet of Things term applies to devices that are not expected to have an internet connection, and once connected, they communicate without human intervention.
Computers and smartphones are not part of IoT, even though they have lots of sensors. However, smartwatches and fitness bands and other wearable devices are counted as the Internet of Things devices.
How Big is The Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things sector keeps growing. The number of things connected to IoT today is more significant than humanity. Given this trajectory, it’s estimated that there will be over 42 billion IoT devices by 2025.
The automotive and industrial equipment segments have the highest number of devices on IoT. The smart home and wearable devices market is growing fast and will likely surpass these industries to have the highest number of connected devices.
By the end of 2021, the automotive and enterprise sectors will have over 6 billion IoT based devices. Thanks to the continuous rollout of smart meters, utilities will have many devices connected to the Internet of Things.
Security devices such as web cameras and intruder detectors are being absorbed into the market fast. The automation sector, the automotive sector (driverless cars), and the healthcare industry (Devices to monitor chronicle conditions) connect more devices to the Internet of Things.
Why the Internet of Things?
Many advantages can be realised by embracing the Internet of Things. These include; agility and efficiency. Enterprises using IoT have more access to their products’ internal systems data. The more they collect, the faster and more efficient they’re with changes.
Manufacturers are adding sensors to components in their products to collect data and track their performance. The data transmission alerts them when parts are about to fail, and they make a product change before any damage is caused.
Companies can use the collected data to make their systems more efficient since they have more accurate data.
Where Did the Internet of Things Originate?
All through the 1980s and 1990s, the idea of adding sensors and intelligence to basic objects was created and debated upon. The move from ideation to implementation was slow because the technology needed wasn’t invented yet.
Chips were big and heavy, and they made it impossible for objects to communicate effectively. The costs of production also delayed this phenomenon. After the invention and adoption of lower-power chips that communicate wirelessly, the increased use of broadband internet, and the expansion of cellular and wireless networking, the Internet of Things was born.
The Internet of Things picked up well after adopting IPv6, which provides IP addresses for every device. In 1999, Kevin Ashton crafted the phrase “Internet of Things”, and a decade later, technology finally caught up with his vision.