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What is Internet of Things and How Does it Work?

laptop, phone and other office stuff on table

Internet of Things (IoT) is an ecosystem of connected devices that can transfer data between each other in real-time. This data transfer can take place without the need for any human intervention or in the presence of minimal human intervention. These connected devices can include not just computer systems, but any device that is connected to the Internet. New internet of things development principles can allow you to do a lot.

What Means Connected Devices?

When it comes to the reference of connected devices, they can include any web-enabled device that can gather, send, and act on data required by them. This data can be gathered  using sensors, communication hardware, and processers. These connected devices are also referred to as smart devices.

These connected devices can also include a connected refrigerator, coffee maker, music system, TV, or any other equipment in your home. These devices can communicate with other connected devices using Machine to Machine communication.

So where do humans come in this whole picture? You can interact with these devices, set them, provide instructions, and access data. However, these devices will od almost all the work independently without much intervention. Such a system has been created with the help of all the small mobile components, processing units, sensors that are available today. Besides, it has been powered by the always-online form of networks that exist now in both residential and business settings.

Data Volume

An important aspect of IoT is the volume of data it generates. This data can be used for getting more out of each device. The data can also be mined for a wide range of applications.

The technology makes it possible to access new forms of data that was not available earlier, especially at this scale and with this speed. It is now possible to access information in the real-time.

Some of the examples of application of such information are as follows:

  • You can monitor your home remotely from anywhere and at any time. Get feeds and alerts in the real-time from multiple devices in your home, not just the security system.
  • If you have a business, you can improve processes to boost productivity and minimize waste and unexpected downtime.
  • City administrations can rely on sensors to reduce road traffic and send alerts to oncoming traffic. Sensors can also help create warnings when there are dangers to infrastructure.

These connected device can also monitor changes in environment and alert any impending natural disasters.

How Do Connected Devices Work?

Mobile devices play a big role in this technology. The use of apps can allow you to gain control over IoT devices. For example, a mobile device can be used for communicating with a smart thermostat. This can allow you to set the desired temperature in your home even before you arrive back from work. This can also help in preventing unwanted heating/cooling operation when you are not at home. Thus, IoT can not only enable control over your equipment, it can also help save money.

Many IoT devices now contain mini-processors. They can act on the data gathered by sensors using machine learning. This works similarly to humans, as the system gathers data from its surroundings and learns your preferences before adjusting. Machine learning is a form of AI that allows computers to learn without the need for human programming.

Imagine a system where your smart refrigerator sends you alert every time you are low on a certain food ingredient. IoT is redefining connected technology. When it comes to communication, it is not just limited to human interaction or connectivity between computer systems. It is adding almost all types of devices into the spectrum, making things possible that couldn’t even be imagined a few years ago.