What is the Internet of things (IoT)? - A Definitive Guide

25-Oct-2022

The Internet of Things, or as is known commonly as IoT, refers to the overall network of interconnected devices as well as the technology that enables the communication between them as well as with the cloud. We now have billions of devices connected to the internet as a result of the development of low-cost computer chips and high-bandwidth telephony.

To understand how the Internet of Things (IoT) works, let us discuss the intricacies and the nitty gritty of the IoT in detail. Let us first begin by giving the Internet of Things (IoT) definition.

Internet of Things (IoT) Definition

The network of physical items, or "things," that are embedded with software, sensors, and other technologies to communicate and exchange data with other devices and systems through the internet is referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT). These gadgets can be anything from high-technology industrial equipment to common daily-use items. On record, the current day has over 7 billion devices connected to the Internet of Things and as per analysts' estimation, it is going to surge to over 22 billion by 2025.

Working Mechanism of Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network that links actual physical objects to the internet. All IoT devices are equipped with sensors and processors that use machine learning to process the data that is obtained from these sensors. Since the majority of consumer IoT devices can be operated by smartphones, our cell phones play a significant part in IoT. Second, the connection is crucial to the development of the IoT. Through a variety of connections, including Bluetooth, WiFi, cellular, satellite, etc., the sensors and equipment are linked to the cloud. The data is sent to the cloud via the IoT sensors for additional data processing.

The desired action is then executed when the data has been processed in the cloud. Observing the weather, for instance, etc. Once the data has been processed, it is time for it to be delivered to the user via an alert. This alert could take the form of an SMS, message, voice message, email, notice, etc. depending on the interface and the device used. A user may also be able to control and carry out a certain desired request depending on the device and the connection.

Understanding the Architecture of the Internet of Things (IoT)

Let us dive into the architecture of IoT to understand its working mechanism better.

High-Level Architecture:

It goes without saying that IoT involves a variety of sophisticated hardware, software, and tools that work together to provide the architecture necessary for the efficient operation of any IoT-based software or device. It has many components and layers, which combine to form a complex network. This architecture consists of basically four parts.

Data Acquisition System/Internet Gateway

Analog data from sensors must be integrated and translated into digital streams before moving on to the next stage of processing. These data conversion tasks are carried out by data acquisition systems (DAS). The analog-to-digital conversion is carried out by DAS after it has connected with the sensor network and combined the outputs. The digitized data is subsequently obtained by the Internet gateway and sent across Wi-Fi, and wired LANs, for additional processing. The majority of stage 2 systems are located close to the sensors and actuators of the first stage.

Sensors/Actuators

One of the key elements of the IoT architecture, sensors are in charge of gathering information from the relevant environment or object and converting it into meaningful information. Similar to this, actuators also appear to alter the physical circumstances that produce the necessary data. An actuator can regulate airflow, turn off the power, and do other things. Everything is hidden in this sensing stage, including camera systems, water detectors, air quality sensors, heart rate monitors, and industrial and business legacy structures.

Edge IT

Once the data has been collected and digitized, it is prepared to enter the world of IT. Before entering the data center, some of this data might need to be further processed. Edge IT systems that carry out further analyses are useful in this situation. The majority of edge IT processing systems are located in outlying offices or other places, however, they are typically closer to the sensors than other sites.

Hardware

IoT hardware consists of a wide range of components that are needed for sensors, bridges, etc. These gadgets are in charge of controlling crucial operations, primarily those related to activation, security, certain activities, communications, etc. Among the hardware components of the IoT ecosystem that actually enable it to function are:

System on Chip (SOC)
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)
Single Board Computer (SBC)

IoT examples through its Applications Across Industries

The Internet of Things has risen in popularity and the usage surge across the globe is the result of the transformation occurring across major industries due to technology. IoT has generated a massive positive impact cutting across almost all industries. IoT implementation has ushered in enhanced communication between physical devices further resulting in automation. There is no requirement for human manual intervention as most infrastructure becomes wireless. This has also allowed for automating mundane daily jobs resulting in more free time to perform other significant tasks.

IoT Examples

Let us analyze a few of the major IoT Examples, in brief, to understand how IoT has majorly integrated into our lives.

Automotive

One of the sectors that have experienced significant global disruption is the automotive industry, particularly in light of self-driving automobiles. To put it simply, an IoT device in a car can include things like entertainment systems, pre-installed Google Maps, etc.

Predictive maintenance, a new technique, may also soon become mainstream with automobiles. It primarily takes care of the car's general smooth operation, lowering and preventing unforeseen car problems and accidents. Additionally, it is anticipated that IoT devices in cars will be used to enhance security. The change has already begun in the car industry, and it is touted to grow in the near future.

Healthcare

IoT has already begun to make inroads and has the potential to alter the healthcare industry in the days to come. The integration of IoT has created a myriad of opportunities that have the potential to dramatically alter how diagnosis and treatment are conducted. IoT has equipped the healthcare industry with the ability to immediately provide medical histories and insights into symptoms and patterns, remote healthcare, etc. Additionally, there has been an increase in the availability and use of wearable technology that keeps track of health metrics like heart rate, sleep, blood pressure, etc. Additionally, these Internet of Things (IoT) devices is set up to deliver emergency notifications. There has been a sea of changes in the data collecting system with the integration of IoT.

Manufacturing

The extensive adoption of the Internet of Things in the Manufacturing sector has given birth to its own term Industrial Internet of Things or IIoT. Better operational effectiveness increased productivity, new company expansions, prospects, and a decrease in downtime, to name a few, are the main drivers of this growth.

Manufacturing IoT is mostly credited to a network of sensors used to collect important production data, deliver it to the cloud, and then use cloud software to interpret this data. The interpretation of this data yields insights that assist firms alters the effectiveness of their manufacturing operations.

Smart Cities

A smart city is simply one that has the infrastructure to support wireless technology and makes use of information and communication technologies to raise living standards, better utilize resources, and provide for the welfare of its residents and the government. By employing gadgets like smartphones, connected cars, and homes, citizens can participate in the ecosystem of a smart city in several different ways. Additionally, it enables local governments and law enforcement agencies to focus on enhancing air quality by reducing traffic, streamlining the waste collection, distributing energy efficiently, enhancing security, etc.

Supply Chain

To measure and better track location, movement, handling, etc. in the supply chain, IoT-based technology and systems are being adopted. The majority of supply chains already have RFID chips embedded for the purpose. IoT technology is a wonderful method to track down products, use GPS to identify shipments, and monitor storage conditions, all of which improve quality control. Additionally, it aids in keeping inventory better and more current, and data collection allows it to estimate your stock needs in the future. These systems also monitor maintenance and avoid downtime, which can lead to losses and damaged vendor relationships.

Agriculture

It is also referred to as "smart farming" and uses a high-tech system to raise food responsibly. A farmer can boost output and decrease waste by using smart farming techniques, which can affect everything from the type of fertilizer used to the number of trips a farm vehicle makes. With the use of sensors that monitor humidity, temperature, rain, and other factors, IoT-based systems can keep an eye on the crop field. Huge volumes of data are anticipated to be gathered by IoT devices, which will then be analyzed to be able to predict things like weather, soil quality, and cattle health. As a result of its ability to foresee these events, agriculture will ultimately experience less overall risk. IoT technologies can automate irrigation, which can help you save water. Drones with IoT capabilities are being used in agriculture to help with soil and field analysis, crop spraying, crop monitoring, and crop health evaluation.

IoT will continue to expand rapidly. The rate of growth in the foreseeable future will be far higher than it was in the previous ten years. The growth of IoT-based devices and apps will accelerate as the Internet of Things establishes direct channels to consumers and has an exponential impact on both company operations and people's lives. IoT platforms and IoT hardware will fundamentally alter our way of life.

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