Internet of Things (IoT) Basics

Internet of Things (IoT)

Internet of Things. I feel this is very late post, as per the day I am posting it. Everyone knows it and many organization have already started implementing the IoT around the globe. Many smart devices were manufactured and sold. People are very happy.

IoT belongs to multiple or many physical devices that are connected to the internet and all can collect and share data with each other without human interference. There are the computing devices connected through wireless into a network. 

IoT collects, analyzes, and processes data streams in real-time without any delay to make control decisions in an active manner.

A smart watch, smart light bulb, smart thermostat, smart air conditioner, sensors, Amazon echo, smart tv, wireless printer, audio assistant, VOIP, Washing machine, Dish washer, smart lock, smart doorbells, smart refrigerator, automobiles and many more.

There are more connected things than the total number of people in the earth. As per news from multiple vendors, it is predicted that in total there will be 100 billion connected IoT devices by 2025.

IoT consists of software defined and hardware defined product. It is virtual representation of physical product. 

Key components of IoT

• Network Infrastructure
• Gateway
• Devices or Sensors
• Cloud Infrastructure

There are affordable and reliable low power sensors are making IoT technology possible for more manufacturers now a days. 

Advantages

• Technology Optimization
• Reduced waste
• Improved data collection
• Privacy
• Ease of Use
• Increasing efficiency
• Improves tracking
• Health analysis
• Edge Computing
• More use of Industrial IoT 
• Automation

There are many industries who get benefited from IoT are;

Manufacturing, automotive, Healthcare, Transportation and logistics and Retail etc. 

As we know some of the manufacturers are adding sensors to the components of their products so that they can transmit data back about how they are performing through user experience program.

Analytics and Big data are important things that play critical role in transforming data in to useful information. Big data means a huge amount (Pb or Gb) of structured and unstructured data and analyzing those data to get the insights of the business requirement. The role of big data in IoT is to process a huge quantity of data on a real-time basis and storing them using different storage technologies.

Similarly, IoT security is very important aspect also and it needs to be taken care of in every steps during the development phase. There are many ways you can secure your IoT network devices and minimize the security risks.

On a brief note,

• Do not keep all default passwords of devices including access points.
• Use Multifactor authentication
• Use VPN and encryption technology
• Do your network segmentation 
• Update software and patch regularly 
• Monitor regularly 

Connected device are rapidly growing day by day and being popular. There is a probability of having at least one device at our home. All the connected devices are known as internet of things (IoT).

IoT is purely dependent on the sensors. Without proper sensor, IoT is like body without soul. 

The sensors are those hardware that monitors, measures and collects data. They send data to the primary device and then is processed through data analysis to GUI interface. There are many types of sensors such as:

Temperature Sensors: These sensors are often used in the Information technology, manufacturing and agriculture industries. These tiny devices measure room temperature of a device temperature within safety limit and sends data to a centralized location.

Proximity Sensors: When you walk to a store, then instantly you receive one special offer, discount via test message or application notifications in your smart phone. That's because a proximity sensor in a retail store identified you and that are open to receiving promotions. 

There are many other sensors such as humidity sensor, smoke detector, water sensor, level sensor, pressure sensor etc. 

Many luxurious cars also come in many sensors such as rain sensor, dust sensor, automatic door lock, etc.

So, this is just a basic information for your understanding. Do you have nay comments and suggestions, please post your comment. Share only if you feel its useful. 

-DR