When I was young, I always indulged in movies that were set in a dystopian future where everything was automated. For instance, I always loved watching I, Robot which revolved around the idea of robots that were created for household help, but eventually, they go rogue.
However, I always wondered how cool it would be if we had automated devices that would function on their own when given a command to do a task. Fast forward to today, we are introduced to the Internet of Things (IoT)– imagination turned into reality.
Now what exactly is the Internet of Things and how does it work? You’ll find out in this article, so make sure that you stick to the end. Let’s get this show on the road!
Understanding the Internet of Things
To know more about the Internet of Things, you must have a cursory knowledge of the Internet and how it works. You get an internet service from an Internet service provider (ISP), and they transmit Internet signals to your home using cables, such as coaxial cables in the case of cable internet and fiber optic cables for fiber internet connections.
Once you have an internet connection in your home, you can connect multiple devices to the internet, and with each other, forming a network between all the devices. To put it into easier terms, the Internet of Things is an overall system of devices that are connected, and communicate and share data with each other. These networks are typically formed between devices, applications, and systems.
The Functionality of the Internet of Things
As I mentioned in the previous section, a formidable internet connection is essential for your network to function as seamlessly as possible. If you are planning on setting up a network of smart devices in your home, I recommend an internet connection like Xfinity Internet for its reliable and fast service.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to break the bank to get an internet connection from Xfinity. You can subscribe to Xfinity Internet Plans at an economical rate!
Once you have a good internet service, the next step is understanding how the Internet of Things works. The devices that are connected to each other in the Internet of Things are usually mini-computers that use algorithms and machine learning to process data and communicate it with each other. The essential data is usually connected by sensors on these devices, which include smart home devices like smart speakers, smart TVs, wearable devices, and a lot more.
Components of the Internet of Things
For the complete functionality of the Internet of Things, 4 integral parts must be present. Here are the four things that are crucial for a proper IoT network.
- Sensors/Devices: The smart devices that you have at home are the root of the Internet of Things. They create data and then send it to the cloud for further processing.
- Data Collection and Connectivity: There needs to be a means through which data can travel after the smart devices or sensors create it. The most common methods of data collection and connectivity include HTTP/S, RFID readers, Bluetooth, and FTP (File Transfer Protocol).
- Data Processing and Machine Learning: After IoT devices collect necessary data and process it, they give the user alerts or adjust the sensor on their own. For instance, if you look at a smart thermostat, it computes data and adjusts the temperature accordingly on its own.
- User Interface: While these devices have some degree of automation, there are still some processes that require manual effort. If the user wishes to make any changes to the device, they can do it through the user interface.
Why Should You Have the Internet of Things?
The automation of the devices makes life easier for people, especially for those who are unable to move and work. For instance, someone who is bedridden would prefer a thermostat to change the room temperature by itself rather than having to walk to the device to change the temperature.
Similarly, wearables such as smartwatches and fitness trackers have made it possible for you to stay in the best of shape while maintaining your heart health and sleep pattern.
Self-driving vehicles have proven to be useful for people who can’t drive, and the technology in these vehicles is improving every day, ensuring the safety of the drivers.
Did You Know?
Some countries in the world are working on developing “smart cities.” These cities are entirely automated and are as eco-friendly as can be. It is speculated that the data in these cities will be collected from citizens, devices, buildings, or even cameras!
