The Internet of Things or IoT is a collective term encompassing the ideas of wireless devices, equipments, and software that work together to deliver a more convenient life. The term was coined by Vitaly Milonin and Mark Sully in 2000. The Internet of Things refers to a network of interlinked, human-oriented objects which are capable of reliably collecting and transferring data over a secure wireless network without human interaction. The IoT will help to replace the traditional computer systems and will pave the way for new artificial intelligent computers, robots, appliances and other similar devices.
The concept is rather simple. Basically, the IOT devices communicate with each other and with a third-party gateway or server. This data is then stored in a secure, online database. When you connect a device to the Internet, it essentially becomes part of a network. Every device connected to the Internet stores data about itself and every other device in its network.
Convenience and reliability is one of the main benefits of the Internet of Things. Rather than having to wait for specific cables, wires, routers and Internet service providers to create a link between different devices, all you need is a small piece of hardware. In the same way, instead of having to install and maintain a large number of elaborate networking wiring, you just need to use a single device. In addition, instead of buying a large number of data ports and micro processors, sensors and microcontrollers can be integrated into one system. In a way, all these devices become one single network.
With the Internet of Things, your home will no longer be left out in the cold. You will be able to interact with your elderly father, your partner, your teenage daughter or any other family member who is still using a computer. Moreover, since each person is connected to the Internet, all the data about each one is saved and can be viewed at a later time. This saves a lot of money on operating costs. Besides, it is much more convenient for the elderly people to stay in their homes as compared to using institutional-based facilities for assisted living.
With this kind of system, companies can also have real-time data about their production process. This information is essential if they want to improve their machine performance. Companies that operate on strict budgets can also save a lot on maintaining data servers, networks and devices. Thus, they will be able to keep their operations on track.
Since everything is now connected, devices can be designed and developed in a manner that they work seamlessly together. This means that you will not have to rely on certain technology to make your devices communicate with each other anymore. Instead, all the necessary hardware and software must be incorporated in the system. Your devices will now be able to send and receive messages, commands and other information. They will also be able to connect to each other through Bluetooth and other wireless technologies.
It is important to understand that the internet of things is far more than a simple computer network. It actually aims to unify all devices into one. This means that there will no longer be wires connecting the devices to each other anymore. You simply need to determine which device needs to be connected to another through the Bluetooth technology.
Aside from keeping things connected, the internet of things will also help you reduce energy consumption. There are a lot of things that can be automated once everything is already connected. For example, sensors can be installed to measure the temperature and humidity. You can also set up a system to track the production level as well as the consumption. As the automation process starts, all the worker just has to do is to wait for the result. Everything will be done automatically.