Internet of Things Definition, Types and Examples

The concept of Internet of Things is a relatively modern innovation that goes back to the 1980s when Carnegie Mellon University connected Coke vending machines to the internet to measure the availability and temperature of the beverage. Fast forward to the year 1999, IoT was recognised as a technology, giving impetus to its development and applications over the next few years. IoT is a large network of connected devices, all connected to the internet, and collecting and sharing data.   

Internet of Things Definition

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interconnected devices that interact and exchange information. The technology allows the connection of two or more devices for sending and receiving information through the internet. The IoT can often be seen in lighting and sound systems at home. Many metropolitan cities use IoT technology to monitor weather and traffic conditions.

IoT solutions enable automation of daily tasks, and effective monitoring and control of the connected devices, resulting in a convenient performance of tasks and improved efficiency. Today, IoT technology is leading to unthinkable change, convenience, and efficiencies in health care, energy, manufacturing, retail, and agriculture.   

The Foundational Pillars of IoT

The four pillars reinforce the ability of IoT to operate successfully. These pillars are essential to ensure functionality and a reliable and coherent customer experience.

a) IoT Device: An IoT device is hardware with a sensor capable of transmitting data from one location to another through the internet. A wireless solution is required to connect/support many devices running on a single network. 

Examples: Mobile devices, Electronic appliances, Medical Devices, and Cars.

b) Data:  The major function of IoT is to gather vast amounts of data, process information, and improve the functionality of the application. 

Examples: Music streaming services gather data on the individuals’ music and artists’ preferences. 

c) Analytics: Collected data must be analysed correctly and processed efficiently. Analytics is what makes IoT applications so powerful and useful in the daily lives of individuals and organisations. Analytics helps to optimise and enhance the benefits of IoT for the user.

d) Connectivity: Connectivity enables the devices, data, and analytics to work in conjunction. Connection is essential for data to be transferred and analysed correctly. 

Internet of Things Examples 

i) IoT devices at home:

• Wearable health monitors – Fitness trackers like Fitbits
• Voice assistants like Alexa and Siri
• Smart Appliances like iRobot, the vacuum cleaner
• Smart Cars – Tesla
• Smart home security systems

ii) IoT devices or applications in Industries and towns/cities:

• Smart Grids
• Smart Supply chain management
• Healthcare system
• Smart farming
• Smart connected factory

Types of Internet of Things

There are eight types of Internet of Things, which are as follows:

1. Internet of Things (IoT) – IoT is a network of sensors that connect to the internet to acquire and share data with other connected devices. It serves to automate processes, specifically ones that are repetitive, time-consuming, as well as dangerous.
2. Internet of Everything (IoE) – It is an extension of the IoT. It is about things, processes, data, and people; and covers the Internet for Everyone or Everything.
3. Internet of Nano Things (IoNT) – It is a network of Nanodevices that are connected to the internet in order to share and receive information.
4. Internet of Mobile Things (IoMT) – It aims toward the mobility of things where change occurs in connectivity, context, privacy, and energy availability.
5. Internet of Mission-Critical Things (IoMT) – It is used in critical military missions for the purpose of surveillance, search and salvage, critical structure monitoring, border patrol, warzone situations, etc.
6. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) – It is mostly used in industries to automate production and manufacturing processes.
7. Infrastructure Internet of Things – It focuses on the evolution of the newer infrastructure that uses IoT for maintenance, cost-saving, and operational efficiency.
8. Commercial Internet of Things – It mainly focuses on the commercial use of IoT, which includes stores, supermarkets, buildings, entertainment venues, healthcare facilities, and hotels.

Advantages of IoT

• Can assist in the smart control of homes and cities through mobile phones, enhancing security and personal protection.
• Electronic devices like geysers and pumps connected through a controller app on the phone can be efficiently operated, minimising wastages (if any).
• It minimises human effort because IoT devices connect and communicate with one another and perform various tasks without the need for human intervention.
• Helps in patient care and evidence-based care to be performed effectively, in real-time, and remotely. 
• A tracking system brings convenience and efficiency in inventory control, delivery, traffic or transportation tracking, surveillance, individual order tracking, and customer management.

Disadvantages of IoT

• Hackers can access the IoT system and connected devices to steal and misuse personal information. 
• IoT devices are heavily reliant on the internet and cannot function effectively without it.
• Technology like IoT can replace many manually done daily jobs, potentially reducing employment opportunities, especially for unskilled workers. 

Conclusion

IoT technology, although relatively recent, has found scope for growing applications, bringing unthinkable conveniences to daily routines and improving efficiencies in the industries. Today, IoT applications and IoT devices can be seen in homes and industries, assisting in improving performances and scale of operations. Like all technologies, IoT also should be used sensibly; else, it has the potential to take away the fun element from life and can also impact negatively on health.