Introduction to IoT
In this topic, we are going to study the Introduction to IoT. Internet of things or IoT is a system of connected devices through the internet. It involves mechanical devices, sensors, home appliances, vehicles, etc., apart from desktop, mobile, and laptop. These devices are designed in such a way that they can share data with other devices over the internet. IoT basically provides a platform for devices to interact and collaborate with each other.
Components of IoT
In the Above Section, we have learned about Introduction to IoT, But to develop an IoT system, there are some main components that one needs. Below are those components
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Sensor
The sensor is the layer that connects the IoT device to the outer environment or human being. As the name suggests, it senses the changes and sends data to the cloud for processing. These sensors continuously collect data from the environment and transmit the information to the next layer: pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and light intensity detectors.
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Gateway
Gateway facilitates data flow management and protocol layer to transfer data from one device to another. It translates the network protocols for devices and provides encryption for the data flowing in the network. It’s like a layer between the cloud and devices that filter away cyber attacks and illegal data access.
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Connectivity
The data collected by sensors need to be sent to the cloud for analytics. Data need the internet as a medium to transfer data from one device to another. Hence all the IoT devices need to be connected to the internet all the time. Networks like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WAN, satellite networks make it easy to stay connected. Data can be sent to the cloud through these networks.
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Cloud
IoT systems send massive data from devices, and this data needs to be managed efficiently to generate meaningful output. To store this huge amount of data, the IoT cloud is used. It provides tools to collect, process, and store data. Data is readily available and remotely accessible through the internet. It also provides a platform for analytics. IoT cloud is a sophisticated, high-performance network of servers to perform high-speed processing of a huge amount of data.
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Analytics
Analytics is the process of converting raw data into some meaningful form. IoT analytics supports real-time analysis, which captures real-time changes and irregularities. The data is then converted into a format that is easy to understand by the end-user. As a result, users or businesses can analyze the trends shown in reports, predict the market and plan ahead for a successful implementation of their ideas.
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User Interface
The User interface is a visible, tangible part of IoT systems. It is that part of the system which interacts with the end-user. The information can be made available either in report format or in the form of some actions like trigger an alarm, a notification, etc. The user can also choose to perform some actions. Therefore, it is important to create a user-friendly interface that can be used without much effort and technical knowledge. The easier the user interface is, the more successful the product is.
Characteristics of IoT
After going through the Introduction to IoT, now we will learn about the characteristics. Characteristics are the reason behind the success of IoT. There are six main characteristics. Each characteristic encompasses a set of capabilities that make IoT a success.
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Intelligence
IoT systems are extensively liked in the market because of their intelligence. A combination of algorithms and computer enables the system to inform change in the environment and take appropriate actions. For example – Systems are intelligent enough to sense a sudden spike in temperature and trigger an alarm for fire.
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Connectivity
Connectivity is the main characteristic of IoT as it enables the system to send data and stay connected to other devices. It provides system network accessibility and function collaboratively.
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Expressing
IoT is all about interacting intelligently with the outer environment and humans. Expressing enables this interactivity. Expressing allows us to show output into the real world and input from people and the environment.
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Sensing
Sensitivity means aware of the changes around us. Sensor technologies provide us with the means to create an experience that reflects an awareness of changes in the physical world and the people in it. It helps in expressing. This forms the input for the IoT system and provides a better understanding of the complex world around us.
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Energy
Everything in this world is driven by energy. IoT systems are created smart enough to synthesize energy from the outer environment and conserve it. It is also made energy efficient to work for a longer duration.
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Security
Safety and security is the most important feature of any system. If the system is not secure to cyber attack and illegal intervention, nobody will use it. IoT systems deal with personal data; that’s why it’s an obligation that all safety measure should be taken care of in this system. All IoT systems are secure enough to deal with personal data.
Applications of IoT
As we studied the Introduction to IoT, Let’s have a look at how IoT is transforming our lives. Below are some of the applications of IoT:
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Smart Home
Smart homes are the revolution in the technical world. Switching on the lights as someone walks in, switching on AC and adjusting its temperature according to weather. Unlocks door for friends etc., is some of the features of smart homes.
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Wearables
These are the devices that have sensors embedded in them. One can wear them as a watch or specs. It broadly covers fitness and health-related data.
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Smart cities
Smart cities are another application of IoT, which includes automated transport, energy management, environmental monitoring. Smart bins will alert municipal services that bins need to be emptied.
Some other applications are auto-driven cars, industrial internet, iot in agriculture etc.
Advantages and Disadvantages of IoT
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages mentioned below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Accessing information about surroundings is easy using IoT. | There is a risk of illegal access to data as it flows on the internet. |
| It makes day to day life easier. | IoT is very costly to implement. |
| IoT is connecting people to work as well as home to increase productivity. | IoT systems are very complex; any failure can affect everyone. It makes people lazy. |
Conclusion
IoT has many benefits, but it all on the person using it. It can help us to improve our personal and professional life.
Recommended Articles
This has been a Guide to Introduction to IoT. Here we have studied the components, characteristics, applications, along with the advantages and disadvantages of IoT. You may also look at the following articles to learn more –
