Internet of Things [IoT]
The Internet of things (IoT) is basically a network of physical objects. It is a system of interconnected computing devices that are given unique identifiers (UIDs). They have the ability to transfer data through a wireless network without human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.
It is widely used to collect and share data. IoT is forming the bridge between the physical and digital world, it has the ability to deliver real-time data.
Since everything in this technology is touch-free, it is becoming widely used. Fans, bulbs, television, air-conditioners, can be controlled on our mobile application. This is possible because IoT, using sensors for operations. Sensors send the signals for collecting and processing data. In businesses, the term IoT is also referred to as the fourth industrial revolution or Industry 4.0.
The wireless technology that IoT uses includes Wi-fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth and so on. Data is passed through these wireless connections. IoT is a low cost, low power technology, so it is accessible and affordable to most people worldwide.
Some of the most important applications of IoT are:
- Home automation like Amazon Echo, Alexa.
- Medicinal and healthcare purposes are also termed as the IoMT (Internet of Medical Things).
- Research: Data collection for research, analysis and monitoring purposes.
- Manufacturing: Easily detects defective products through sensors.
- Transportation: Traffic signals for controlling traffic flow, smart parking, toll collection. This helps in maintaining road traffic which further reduces the chances of accidents.
- Smart building: IoT monitors the consumption of electricity data that helps in identifying the devices which consume more electrical energy. This is one step towards sustainability as it helps in energy conservation.
- V2X communications
- Agriculture: IoT also calculated the parameters necessary for good crop production like sunlight, temperature, humidity, soil quality, etc. This reduces the risk of unhealthy crops and wastage.
- Food: IoT is also used in food wastage tracking. It helps to minimise food wastage.
- Monitoring: Detects floods and other environmental calamities. Also, it helps in monitoring the systems of boats and yachts.
- Digitalisation: Many smart cities are now using IoT for connecting citizens with an app on their phone which is connected to the sensors within the city. This data helps merchants and businesses to sell their products. This is beneficial in metropolitan cities. IoT is used
- Security and military purposes.
The biggest threat to this technology is privacy and security. Since sensors are used for collecting and monitoring data they can collect sensitive data from the user and intruders can use this data for malpractices by hacking the device/sensors.
This is just a short summary of the Internet of things, there is still so much more to learn…
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