According to Wikipedia, the Internet of Things (IoT) describes physical objects (or groups of such objects) with sensors, processing ability, software, and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet or other communications networks. The Internet of things has been considered a misnomer because devices do not need to be connected to the public internet; they only need to be connected to a network and be individually addressable.
How does IoT work?
It consists of sensors that connect and communicate with the cloud through a network or connectivity. When the data hits the cloud system, the software processes it and gives the appropriate action according to the need and input.
The IoT system is mainly a chain of these elements.
Sensors or devices: Sensors collect data from the environment to transfer it further for processing. The most common examples of sensors are GPS, accelerometers, smart watches, trackers, etc.
Connectivity and data processing: The next step is to send the collected data to the target for processing. The connectivity option will depend on the IoT application. For example, Bluetooth, Ethernet, LPWAN, etc. Once the data reaches the cloud, it processes it to take the specific action without any user input.
User Interface: The user interface comes into play when user input is present. It reverses the whole process.
Why is the internet of things so important?
Better efficiency and decision-making: The machine interactions enable greater efficiency and decision-making by saving time and resources.
Automation: Reduces the need for human intervention by automating processes, saving time and money.
Cost-efficient: It enables you to cut labor costs and other unnecessary costs by automating several tedious processes.
Quality tracking and monitoring: The Internet of Things makes it possible to track and monitor anything from products and services to vehicles and large containers.
Transparency: IoT is responsible for a better understanding and transparent community where everybody is aware of the good and bad.
Different applications of IoT-
We are all surrounded by IoT. Some of the most widespread uses are:
Smart cities and homes: These days, people are preferring automated home systems to make their lives easier and more comfortable. Wireless kitchen appliances, smart lighting, motorised blinds, automatic windows and doors, smartwatches, fitness bands, smart glasses, and so on are all examples of IoT.
Automated vehicles: IoT-based cars and vehicles are starting to become a trend these days, which are basically self-driving, sensor-based vehicles with no manual driving and no driving instructions.
There are many different areas where the Internet of things is serving its purpose, like the healthcare industry for telehealth (health services with technology), the agriculture industry, and many more.
The Internet of Things is really gaining momentum as we are moving towards a smarter society. Almost everything is connected with IoT, from our day-to-day needs to major technological and industrial advancements. The IoT is still growing with the changing technological needs of people and society. The 5G technology's growth is also based on the same aspect.
The main motive of IoT is to have an innovative, secure system with a chain of systems and devices communicating well with each other. With such a huge expectation, daily data security plays a very crucial role on a day-to-day basis. If accepted in an appropriate manner, the Internet of Things can totally change our lives. Better days are only possible with proper attention and by following all the steps carefully.
