IoT: The Internet Of Things
The internet of things is a phrase you may have once heard, but you do not remember or know what it means. Currently, there’s a lot of talk and predictions touting it as one of the upcoming big things in the tech world and maybe, our future. Because, why not?
What Is The Internet Of Things
Image by: macrovector on Freepik
The internet of things or IoT refers to a system of inter-related devices, machines, or objects with internet connectivity that collects, analyzes, and shares data over a network without human-to-computer interaction. Although IoT covers everything that connects to the internet in its broadest sense, it is increasingly becoming a term that describes objects capable of communicating with one another. These devices usually have unique identifiers (UIDs).
IoT assists consumers in connecting with a worldwide information network without the help of a screen and keyboard, as many everyday devices take instructions from that network with next to no human input. And though people interact with these devices, for instance, to set them up, the IoT devices carry out their tasks without human intervention.
Companies in various industries and fields are increasingly utilizing IoT to function more effectively, understand their customers better to help improve user experience and boost the value of their businesses. Analysts use the data from IoT to study people’s behaviors and preferences, although there are concerns about security and privacy breach. Companies can now access enough data from millions of embedded internet-connected sensors globally.
How Does IoT Work?
The primary components of the IoT are sensors that collect context-aware data and, since they have internet access, have IP addresses. The IoT is an ecosystem comprising smart devices with web connectivity that utilizes embedded systems like sensors and processors to acquire, connect, share and act on the data from the surroundings. These devices also exchange data with networks and other related devices with the help of the internet.
The data the embedded sensors collect can be sent to the cloud for analysis by the IoT devices via a connection to an IT gateway. These devices range from simple temperature detectors in buildings to sensors that monitor safety in factories. Analyzing data from these web-connected devices depends mainly on the particular IoT application running.
Collection of data occurs via transmission from the devices to a collection site. The flow of data can transpire wirelessly through a variety of means or with wired networks. A data center or cloud (with storage and compute power) receives the sent data. Alternatively, data staging occurs, with intermediary devices assembling and then forwarding it.
Although it is not always an option, data processing occurs in the cloud or data center. For critical devices like shutoffs in factories, the time it will take to collect, send, and analyze data before returning instructions may take too long. In such instances, smart-edge devices reduce the waste of time via edge computing to respond to the analysis results in real-time. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are also used in IoT to make data collection effortless and more efficient.
What is Not IoT?
Before moving further, it is vital to point out what qualifies as the Internet of Things and what does not. It would seem that everyones’ devices and their doors fall under the category of IoT — which they probably would if they were IP-enabled. So are all IP-enabled devices IoT devices?
According to Carrie MacGillivray (IDC Group Vice President & General Manager, WW Telecom, Mobility & IoT Research),
“IDC defines IoT as a network of networks with uniquely identifiable endpoints or things that communicate without human interaction using IP connectivity, be it locally or globally.”
Going by the definition above, IoT devices are devices that function without requiring human interaction or control. That means the devices that do not fit in the IoT ecosystem include:
- Desktops and laptops
- Smartphones, tablets, and traditional mobile phones
- TVs
- Game consoles.
Based on this definition, IoT appears to comprise only machine-to-machine (M2M) interactions and communications. But it is not that simple. For instance, although smartphones and computer systems are internet-enabled, they are not a part of IoT because they require human interaction. On another end, wearables like smartwatches or fitness trackers require human interaction to wear and activate particular functions/sessions.
Considering IoT -with more intelligence- as a superset of M2M helps to clarify instances such as the above example. Although there may be human interaction, IoT is responsible for gathering information and presenting its result. So an IP-enabled device that requires human intervention to make decisions based on the data obtained is not an IoT device.
However, wearable IP-enabled computing falls under the IoT ecosystem because data collection, processing, and analysis have nothing to do with the person wearing it.
What Technologies Enable IoT?
Although the concept of IoT has existed for some time, several technological advancements in recent years have made it viable. The following enables IoT.
1. Components of IoT
- Sensor technology
The arrival and access to cheap and well-built sensors have made IoT technology a possibility more manufacturers can harness.
- Connectivity
In order to transfer data efficiently, sensors can connect to the cloud and other ‘things’ via a host of network protocols.
- Cloud Computing
Businesses and consumers can now scale up without having to manage expensive infrastructure, thanks to the increasing availability of cloud platforms.
- Conversational Artificial Intelligence
By leveraging neural networks, natural-language processing (NLP) has been brought to IoT devices (such as Alexa and Siri), making them appealing and worthwhile for homes.
- Machine Learning and Analytics
Machine learning and analytics enable businesses to gather insight faster and efficiently, along with access to a wide range of data in the cloud. As the adoption of these allied technologies increases, so does the data generated by IoT. These data also feed the further development of these technologies.
2. IoT Protocols and Communication Standards
In any communication between IoT devices and other devices, several protocols and communication standards are available for use, finessed for use by devices with low electrical power or paltry processing abilities. Several devices commonly use Bluetooth or Wi-fi, but many more IoT devices require specialized protocols for the IoT ecosystem.
For instance, while MQTT (message queuing telemetry transport) is a messaging protocol for devices with connection to unreliable networks, ZigBee is a wireless protocol for low-power/data, short-distance communication. Other standard protocols include:
- IPv6 over Low-power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWAN)
- LiteOS
- Data Distribution Service (DDS)
- Advanced Messaging Queue Protocol (AMQP)
- Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP)
- View a glossary of IoT standards and protocols here
The arrival of the 5G standard for cellular networks also promises to boost IoT.
How Big is the IoT? — Statistics, Trends, and Market
It is immense and rapidly expanding.
There are many competing predictions and statistics about the internet of things like any other market forecast. The prevalent prediction is a likely acceleration in an already rapidly growing field. The internet of things devices and market segments is a big market with predictions leaning towards rapid growth between now and 2030. A highlight of those forecasts include:
- A soda machine at Carnegie Mellon University was the first IoT device, leading to the development of ATMs, the first widely used IoT device.
- An IDC report predicts that global spending will reach $1.2 trillion in 2022.
- According to Gartner, about 25% of cyberattacks on businesses will involve IoT.
- Statista predicts that endpoint security will hit $19 billion in 2025.
- Estimated to reach $158.1 billion in 2022, Grand View Research estimates that the global IoMT market will hit $534.3 billion by 2025.
- In 2021 according to Statista, $129.02 billion was spent on smart city projects.
- By 2026 the Industrial IoT segment is estimated to reach $106.1 billion.
What Can Industries Benefit From IoT?
IoT is most appropriate for businesses that can benefit from sensor devices.
- Manufacturing industries
- Automotive industries
- Transportation and Logistics sector
- Retail sector
- Public Sector
- Healthcare sector
- General Safety Across All Industries
IoT, Consumers, and Smart Homes/Cities
Image by: Macrovector on Freepik
Recently, consumer spaces have visibly become filled with IoT devices. These IoT devices range from smartwatches that can track the body vitals to internet-enabled camera doorbells. The most common category of IoT products is home assistants like Alexa (Amazon). Consumers can also connect to smart-home products like lighting control or security services. For instance, Amazon’s Ring camera can link your home with local law enforcement.
While smart city tech is still in its early stages, it promises to change how we interact with our environment. Hypothetically, smart city technology will, in time, assist in managing public transit, traffic, safety, and much more. Due to the high stake, the security challenges it presents must improve significantly before widespread adoption is possible.
Privacy and Security in IoT
It is alarming to consider the event that a hacker is spying on your private data. So many scenarios exist where there could be a potential breach of users’ privacy. Wouldn’t it be more interesting if it was the firm that sold the gadget that was spying on us? A perfect instance is the popular digital assistants for homes.
This Recode article examines important information that smart connected devices can gather about their users. While mundane details like regulating the temperature of rooms using smart thermometers may seem regular, it pays to note that every little detail contributes to painting an accurate picture of your life.
A specific privacy concern of using IoT devices lies in these devices tracking users’ locations. A publication by The New York Times shows how data can track users’ movements and attach an identity to these users. Another publication reveals a failure in operations security that revealed hidden American military bases.
Unlike smartphones and PCs, IoT devices do not have OSes that have built-in security features. Since they are mainly regular gadgets with the most basic OSes, IoT devices are notorious for their security. Built for minimal human interactions and specific tasks, no patches, updates, or monitoring exists for these devices.
Since most IoT devices use a version of Linux while utilizing several network ports, they act as a bullseye for hackers. The Mirai botnet is an ideal example of how these devices serve as easy targets; you can find real-life instances of IoT devices’ security breaches here. And although the security situation is improving, it is still not secure.
What is the Future of IoT?
IoT is at a stage where although it is big enough to be vital and rapidly developing, it is still young in so many areas. In the future, we hope IoT platforms and networks work to overcome the current challenges such as security threats and privacy breaches.
What can we look forward to in the future of IoT? We may see that the newer generation of IoT projects and devices will fall under the influence of industry giants like Amazon, Google, or Samsung. In addition to enabling billions of devices, actionable data from the vast amount of data presents a huge opportunity to automate various business processes.
Who knows what might be possible in the future of IoT? One thing is sure, though. It will be a fascinating technology to observe.
