Internet of Things Definition
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical devices – such as vehicles, home appliances, and other items – embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet.
Internet of Things Key Points
- IoT enables objects to be sensed and controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure.
- It allows for direct integration between the physical world and the digital world.
- IoT enables improved efficiency, accuracy, and economic benefit.
- Devices that are part of IoT can include smart home devices, wearable technology, smart cities, and more.
What is the Internet of Things
The Internet of Things is a concept where everyday objects and devices are connected to the internet and can communicate with each other. These connected devices use embedded sensors to gather data and, in some cases, act on it. They can be anything from your refrigerator to your car to industrial machinery.
Who uses the Internet of Things
IoT is used by individuals, businesses, and governments. Individuals might use IoT devices like smart thermostats in their homes, while businesses could use IoT for anything from inventory tracking to predictive maintenance on equipment. Governments might use IoT for tasks like monitoring the structural health of public infrastructure or improving the efficiency of waste management.
When was the Internet of Things conceptualized
The concept of a network of smart devices has been discussed since as early as 1982, with a modified Coke machine at Carnegie Mellon University becoming the first internet-connected appliance. However, the term “Internet of Things” was not coined until 1999 by British technologist Kevin Ashton.
Where is the Internet of Things used
The Internet of Things transcends traditional industry borders, with applications everywhere from agriculture (smart farming) to healthcare (remote health monitoring) to retail (supply chain management). It is used in both urban and rural settings, and in industries all around the world.
Why is the Internet of Things important
The importance of IoT stems from its ability to make our lives and work more efficient. This is achieved through automated tasks and processes that would traditionally have required human intervention. It helps in saving resources and time, and allows for better decision-making thanks to the vast amount of data it can collect and analyze.
How does the Internet of Things work
In an IoT system, sensors and actuators are embedded in physical objects, from roadways to pacemakers, and are linked through wired and wireless networks. These devices can collect data from their environment and then send it to analytics systems, act based on this data, or do both. Often, these systems utilize cloud computing to process and store the data they collect.
