What is IoT

Backbone for IoT

The use of internet has not always been what we see today.  The internet has evolved over decades and today for you the concept of IoT many not be new.

The computer networks were primarily used for communication between two or more computer.  Back in the 1960s is where the the origins of the Internet date back to.  Research enabled the time-sharing of computer resources and the development of packet switching which further led to the rise of the internet.

Internet arose in 1970s by the 

• Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the United States Department of Defense
• In collaboration with universities and researchers across the United States and in the United Kingdom and France

The linking of commercial networks and enterprises by the early 1990s and the advent of the World Wide Web made the internet more accessible. 

Later in the 2000's lot of new and different technologies enable the connection of different devices to be connect to the internet, allowing then to be controlled or letting the devices report information, which allowed to take better decisions.

The Internet of Things

The term IoT refers to the network of physical devices like vehicles like cars and bikes, appliances like TV, Refrigerators, Air conditioners etc and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity which allows these objects to connect and exchange data or control them remotely.

So basically when we say "The Internet of Things" we are now encompassing the different devices getting connected to the internet and not just computers.  These devices or appliances are referred as the "Things" in IoT.

What makes the IoT work?

As discussed IoT is not a stand alone technology.  For IoT to work lot of things are involved. Here we will discuss few basics and classify things needed for IoT to happen.

1. Devices: 

   1. Everyday (electronics) objects that you used can be equipped with sensors to collect data information. Examples include smart thermostats, wearables, and industrial machinery or even you home refrigerator.

2. Connectivity:

   1.  These devices need to be connected to the internet or a internal network over through Wi-Fi, cellular networks, or other wired network using the communication protocols. Thus establishing a device as an IoT device.

3. Data Collection and Transmission:

   1. Sensors form these device will gather data about their surroundings, such as temperature, humidity, location, or movement.  The collected data is transmitted to a central system or cloud for processing and analysis.

4. Action:

   1.  Based on the analyzed data received it is analysis further and then actions can be taken either by automated systems of instructions can be specified for what needed to be done.  Examples  actions can be taken, like adjusting a thermostat, sending alerts, or controlling machinery. Or in case of a huge fire outbreak fire department can be alerted with location and address helping them to reach in time.

Examples of IoT

1.  Smart Homes: 

   1. Connected thermostats, lights, security systems, and appliances can increase efficiency and savings.
   2. For example lights, fans, AC etc can be switched on and off according to day and night time, based on weather conditions,  AC's can be set to ambient temperatures thus saving electrical energy.

2.  Wearable Technology: 

   1. Smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health monitoring devices can help you with health, it can help track lost people or inform you for increased Blood Pressure or stress levels.
   2. Example: People with blood sugar level can be continuously monitored with deceives and can be advised to take medicines on time, send real time data to a doctor who could further instruct the patient to take suitable actions.

3. Automotive:

   1.  Connected cars, traffic management systems, and autonomous vehicles.
   2. With IoT if all vehicles are connected to a central network we can monitor there movements and traffic signals timings, diversions etc can be automated thus keeping traffic jams away.

4. Industrial IoT (IIoT):

   1. Smart factories, predictive maintenance, and supply chain optimization.
   2. Factories using IoT based system can monitor there machines for faults or have readings which can help in preventive actions, reducing accidents and overhead costs.

5.  Agriculture: 

   1. Smart farming, drone-based monitoring, and livestock tracking.
   2. Animals can be tagged and tracked easily

Benefits of IoT

Using any technology can help us improve upon our living conditions IoT can benifit in many way we cannot even imagine. Few points are

1. Efficiency: 

   1. Optimizes resource usage and reduces costs.  A simple example is controlling air conditioning systems or switching them off when not required.

2. Convenience: 

   1. Automates tasks and provides remote control. Daily routine task in home or industries can be automated. Farmers can switch on or off water to fields based on moister level in soil.

3. Data-Driven Insights: 

   1. Enables better decision-making through data analysis. As we can collect lot of data via IoT we can analyze the same  and take better decisions. Lets say we continuously monitor a patients BP, the changes and spikes can be recorded and doctors will get better insight when and why the same is occurring.

4. Improved Safety: 

   1. Monitors conditions and detects potential hazards. Geographical information collected over a period of time can predict storms, possible earth quakes etc. 

In essence, IoT brings intelligence to everyday objects, creating a more connected and efficient world with the help of the data and its analysis.  Which lets us take better and informed decisions.