Internet of Things (IoT) is basically the internet for things, where things refer to any and all electronic devices that humans use. It points to the connection of everyday things to each other and to the internet where these things or objects have the ability to be programmed and can collect data as well as receive instructions. Examples include devices such as smart appliances, like refrigerators and thermostats; home security systems; computer peripherals, like webcams and printers; wearable technology, such as Apple Watches, and smart speaker devices, like Amazon Echo and Google Home.
The concept of Internet of Things is to ensure a smoother, more convenient experience for the user. To help create an ecosystem that connects everything or an ecosystem where everything is connected to each other.
It is safe to say that the idea behind Internet of Things consists of creating devices with a built-in wireless connection so that they can be accessed, controlled, monitored and linked over the internet using a mobile application. What makes it a very unique concept is that the objects that are being built under this technology are not restricted to phones and tablets but are inclusive of everyday objects for instance, a coffee maker or a washing machine.
With the rapid advancement of IoT, it has also entered the world of healthcare and medicines. In fact, anything around us can become an IoT device with a simple installation of an IoT sensor in it.
How Internet of Things (Iot) Works
It works on technology. The devices have hardware like sensors, For example, there are sensors that collect data. The data that the sensors collect is then shared through the cloud and added to software. the software analyzes and then transmits the data to users via an app or website.
There is underlying technology such as the WiFi, Bluetooth, Radio-frequency Identification, Near-field Communication and wireless radios that permit the devices to connect to the internet and then to each other. The device uses Internet protocol (IP), the same protocol that identifies computers over the world wide web and allows them to communicate with one another.
Internet of Things offers a smoother and more convenient experience for the user as mentioned earlier as the main concept of IoT, for example, imagine a scenario where your fitness tracker senses that you’re asleep and therefore turns off your lights and television and also when your alarm clock wakes you up and while you’re struggling to get out of bed, your coffee maker makes a beep to notify you that your coffee is ready. This is because your alarm clock can, with the introduction of IoT, notify your coffee maker to prepare coffee for you.
They two types of Internet of Things are;
- Consumer Internet of Things (CIoT)
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
1. Consumer Internet of Things
This is an interconnected system of both physical and digital objects, personally used by a consumer. It could be a Personal Internet of Things or Smart Home Internet of Things. Personal IoT: includes, wearable, hearable, smartphones and personal laptop gadgets such as;
- Smart Watch: for example, Apple watch, Fitbit etc.
- Hearable: like AirPods and Google Pixel Buds.
Smart Home IoT: include home automation products like smart kitchen gadgets and security systems with face recognition and voice control such as;
- Voice Assistance: for examples, Amazon Echo and Google Home Smart Voice-Activated Speaker
- Security: the Nortek Security and Control products for access control & emergency, Bitdefender BOX.
- Lighting fixtures: examples include the Philips Hue Smart Bulbs, L8 SmartLight, LIFX, etc.
- Smart Kitchen Gadgets: like iGrill Smart grill thermometer, Birdi monitors, Samsung Family Hub.
2. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
It is the most established and mature part of IoT. It is strongly focused on the industry sector, improving the efficiency, security, and output of operations with a focus on Return on Investment
(ROI). This type of IoT will help improve operations, efficiency, increase customer satisfaction and harness intelligence from a wide range of equipment. Organisations that would benefit from
using sensor devices in their business processes includes;
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Transportation and Logistics
- Retail
- Public Sector
- Healthcare
- General Safety Across All Industries
Another field that is also experiencing a transformation is that of urban planning. When sensors that have an IP address are placed under a busy street, for instance, city officials incharge of the monitor can alert drivers about upcoming delays or accidents.
this is pretty amazing. i never know about the IOT