What is IoT (Internet of Things) and How Does It Work?

The internet of things or IoT refers to the system of physical computing devices, digital and mechanical machines, animals, objects, or people with sensors, processing ability, software and other technologies that enable them to connect and exchange data with other systems and devices over the internet and other communication networks.

They transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-computer or human-to-human interaction. Internet of things devices do not need to connect to the public internet but only need to be connected to a network and be addressable individually.

The internet of things is getting bigger daily as more things than people are getting connected. In this case, we are talking of billions of IoT devices or things.

How Does IoT Work?

An IoT system consists of web-enabled smart devices that use integrated systems such as microprocessors, sensors and communication hardware to collect, send and act on data they gather from where they are located.

The data they collect can be analyzed locally or sent to the cloud. Internet of things devices can also communicate with other related devices and act on the data they receive from other smart devices.

Mostly, these devices work without human intervention, not unless the need for access to the data or configuration of the IoT device. Artificial intelligence use is also incorporated to make data collection dynamic and much easier.

Applications of Internet of Things Devices

There are many areas where the internet of things devices are being used in the modern world. You will find them in the commercial, industrial, and infrastructural sectors.

Smart Home

IoT devices are currently being used in home automation. You will find them in heating, lighting and air conditioning systems.

Medical and Healthcare

IoT devices are being widely used in the medical and healthcare system. For example, they enable remote health monitoring and emergency notification systems. Think of smart devices such as blood pressure and heart rate monitors. Add to the list advanced devices capable of monitoring specialised implants such as advanced hearing aids, and pacemakers among others.

Transportation Sector

A lot of transportation systems are using IoT devices in the integration of communications, controlling and processing information. A good example is smart parking systems, smart traffic control, and electronic toll collection systems among others.

Manufacturing Sector

IoT devices are used in industrial applications and smart manufacturing. This is because manufacturing devices are being fitted with sensing, communication and networking capabilities.

Agricultural Sector

IoT devices have found a lot of use in the farming sector. They are used to collect data on rainfall, temperature, soil fertility, pest infestation, and weather patterns, to mention but a few.

Advantages of Internet of Things Devices

There are several advantages of these smart devices with some listed here below.

• IoT encourages interaction between devices. This process is known as machine-to-machine interaction.
• It provides good automation and control.
• They are integrated with more technical information making it is easier to operate them.
• IoT provides efficient monitoring features.
• It saves a lot of time.
• IoT helps to save more money by reducing manual tasks and time.
• Automating daily life tasks makes it easy to monitor devices.
• Increased efficiency and time-saving.
• Its good features make a better quality of life.

Disadvantages of IoT Devices

Though there are several advantages, there are certain disadvantages too. Enlisted below are the various demerits:

• Internet of Things devices does not have any international compatibility standard.
• They may become highly complex and end up failing.
• Internet of Things devices may get affected by privacy and security breach.
• Reduced safety for users.
• Reduction in the employment of manual tasks results in job reductions.
• Internet of Things devices may take control of life in due course with the increasing Artificial Intelligence technology.

You can learn more about IoT from this great book known as IoT and Edge Computing for Architects.