Internet of Things Definition
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interrelated physical devices, vehicles, buildings, and other objects embedded with sensors, software, network connectivity, and necessary electronics that enables these objects to collect and exchange data. It is a concept where devices, like the appliances in your home, or even cars, can be connected to the internet and to each other to create a perfect synchronization of data exchange and communication.
Internet of Things Key Points
- IoT is a network of physical devices connected to the internet, collecting and sharing data.
- It allows objects to be sensed and controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure.
- IoT creates opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems.
- It results in improved efficiency, accuracy, and economic benefit.
- IoT has been incorporated into various industries like agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation.
What is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things is a concept that not only has the potential to impact how we live but also how we work. It revolves around increased machine-to-machine communication; it’s built on cloud computing and networks of data-gathering sensors; it’s mobile, virtual, and instantaneous connection; and it’s going to make everything in our lives “smart.”
Why is the Internet of Things important?
The IoT is significant because an object that can represent itself digitally becomes something greater than the object by itself. No longer does the object relate just to its user, but it is now connected to surrounding objects and database data. When many objects act in unison, they are known as having “ambient intelligence.”
Where is the Internet of Things used?
IoT is used in various industries. In agriculture, it is used for things like remote monitoring of crops and livestock, predicting equipment failures, and scheduling maintenance. In healthcare, it’s used for remote patient monitoring, tracking patient medication orders, and the tracking of healthcare assets. In manufacturing, it’s used for things like predictive maintenance of equipment, increasing operational efficiency, and tracking of assets.
When was the Internet of Things introduced?
The concept of a network of smart devices was discussed 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 coined by British technology pioneer Kevin Ashton in 1999.
How does the Internet of Things work?
The IoT works through a vast network of interconnected devices, all of which gather and share data about how they are used and the environments in which they are operated. This information is then sent to a central Cloud-based service where it is aggregated with other data and then shared with end users in a helpful way.
