At first, the internet was only associated with smartphones and computers. But today there’s the Internet of Things. What is the Internet of Things? What makes it different from the old version internet? How does that thing work? Still, have a bunch more questions about IoT. You’ll find everything you want to know down here. Keep scrolling and find what you need.
What Is the Internet of Things Definition?
An easy definition of the Internet of Things is the system of interrelated computing devices, digital machines, and mechanical. This system is provided with UIDs or uniquely identifies along with the ability to transfer the data over the network with no interaction of humans to a computer or human to human. What enables this Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things is enabled by automation like building and home automation, control systems, networks of wireless sensors, and embedded systems’ traditional fields. Many people today know this technology as ‘smart home’ technology which is covering appliances and devices at home like thermostats, security cameras and systems, lighting fixtures, and many more.
Is that all the meaning of the Internet of Things? Those are just simple words to explain the Internet of Things. Since you’re no longer wondering about what is the Internet of Things IoT, it is time to understand the way it works.
How does It work?
The IoT technology concept has been created a long time ago, long before computers were here. There was a communication called Machine to Machine or M2M. This communication was applied to many things, for example, satellite communications, radio waves, and phone lines since 1912. Telemetry technology has even been used to track wildlife and monitor the weather.
The Internet of Things works when it is supported by everyday gadgets. First of all, the data will be processed on web servers that are located in big data centers that are also known as the cloud. Data processing has greatly contributed to making everyday gadgets become part of the Internet of Things. You can connect those gadgets to the internet simply by sending the data to the phone.
You can also send the data to the other hardware at home that’s dedicated to acting as a hub over the local communication method. The hardware is like Bluetooth, low energy Bluetooth, ZigBee, Z-Wave, NFC or near field communication, and so on. You can make the connection directly through Wi-Fi mode, router, or some wired methods such as cable or Ethernet.
Gadgets that are connected to the Internet of Things contain computing hardware that includes processors that are completed with embedded programming. It tells you what you have to do, and shows you the sensors that are gathering many types of reading like moisture, temperature, chemical levels, body movement, heart rate, motion, and light. They can receive and send signals too.
You’re enough with the introduction about what IoT means and its history. If you need more details about the theory, get detailed information through PPT and PDF files. Below, you’re going to see the applications of this technology with examples so you’ll be able to imagine how to use it for yourself.
What Is the Internet of Things Used for?
1. Consumer Applications – Smart Home
The first application of IoT is in the smart home. Home automation that is enabled by this tech is going to let you control heating, air conditioning, lighting, security, and media systems easily. This technology gives you long-term benefits like saving energy by ensuring electronics and lights are all turned off automatically. Turn your YouTube on the computer without touching the computer.
2. Consumer Applications – Elder Care
What I love about this technology is it is providing assistance for elderly individuals and people with disabilities. Voice control will help users with mobility and sight limitations. Hearing-impaired users will get benefits from the alert systems that are connected to the cochlear implants that are worn by those users. There are also sensors to monitor medical emergencies.
3. Organizational Applications – Healthcare and Medical
The Internet of Things can be really useful in this field. The research and monitoring will be easier with the help of the Internet of Things to collect and analyze data easily. With the help of this technology, the healthcare system can be digitized, it is called Smart Healthcare. Smart Healthcare is connecting the available healthcare services and medical resources.
4. Organizational Applications – Transportation
The transportation system has also used this incredible technology, not only on the vehicle, but also on the infrastructure, user, and driver. Some sensors like humidity, temperature, and GPS send the data to the Internet of Things platform. Then this data will be analyzed before being sent to users. Then users will be able to track the vehicles’ real-time status and make the right decisions.
5. Digitizing Product
There’s the Internet of Packaging term that is describing applications where unique identifiers or UIDs are being used in order to automate the supply chain. Unique identifiers authentication is possible through the digital watermark that’s copy-sensitive or the pattern of copy detection for scanning the QR codes.
6. Industrial Applications – Manufacturing
Systems of digital control will automate the operator tools, process controls, also systems of service information in order to optimize plant security and safety. It is all within the Internet of Things’ purview. The Internet of Things also helps asset management through measurements that maximize reliability, statistical evaluation, and predictive maintenance.
7. Infrastructure Applications – Environmental Monitoring
Internet of Things in this field is going to use sensors in order to assist environmental protection. It will monitor the quality of water and air, the conditions of soil and atmosphere; and even monitor the wildlife movements along with their habitats. This application of the Internet of Things devices usually spans a big geographic area as well as mobile.
I’m sure you’re no longer wondering about what is the Internet of Things. Probably, you’re even interested to bring this unique technology home, turning your classic house into a modern smart home. It is an interesting thought but you need to think about your privacy. It is better to learn more about your own privacy before you start using this impressive technology all-around your house.
