What is IoT? We’ve detailed in our Glossary of Terms that IoT can be defined by:
IoT is the term for the Internet of Things, a massive system of interlinked devices around the world which are connected together to enable real-time data communication. Thanks to the growth of inexpensive computer chips and the pervasiveness of wireless networks, it’s now possible to join up virtually anything with the IoT.
So what is IoT? The Internet of Things can be described as the collection of devices that are all connected to the internet. By capturing and analysing data between these devices we can create actions that help with specific tasks. This can be, for example, something connected to a door that records how often it is opened and closed.
As Edewede Oriwoh says, “The Internet of Things is not a concept; it is a network, the true technology-enabled Network of all networks.” Devices are able to communicate with other devices that are on the IoT whether they exist on private networks, or even across different networking types. It’s the networking solution to connect things around the world.
IoT Devices – what do they do?
We can group any thing connected to the IoT into three categories:
- Things that collect information and then send it.
- Things that receive information and then act on it.
- Things that collect information, receive information, send it and act on it (1 and 2)
Let’s go back to our example of the door: we’ve described adding a sensor that will record (collect information) when the door opens and closes, and send this information to us.
Now let’s add a small LED light to our device which blinks whenever we turn the whole system off, from another network. Our device now receives information, and acts on it.
Imagine we then upgrade our device to also include a motion sensor. We attach our device to a cat flap, and with our motion sensor we are now able to open the door automatically whenever we detect motion. We send this information to our network and notice that small dogs are managing to open our door only meant for cats; so we add a video camera to our device. This data is sent to a neural network that decides whether the object on camera is a dog or a cat, and sends this information back to our device.
This example illustrates the connected power of the IoT. A small collection of devices and sensors have enabled us to go from something as simple as recording a door opening and closing, to having a cat-flap even the CIA would be jealous of.
And this was just one, rather rudimentary, example. Consider the things we can do with sensors that detect, light, temperature, air quality. A farm can collect all this information to create insights into the growth of crops. A government can use this information to process and analyse climate data. It’s not hyperbole to say the possibilities with IoT are truly endless.
What is IoT and why it matters
If the Internet of Things can be described as the collection of devices that are all connected to the internet, then the question of why it matters almost seems superfluous. Our whole world today is run on technology that utilises the IoT.
So what is IoT and how can IoT help you and your business? By providing you with better analytical and insights tools for your business, allowing your people and your business to be further connected around the world.
The following infographic, created by Postscapes and Harbor Research, tells a more complete story about the Internet of Things and asks the question, what is IoT?
Our mission is to help you easily release innovative products, so if you have any specific questions about how IoT can help you and your business please get in touch us at support@ukiot.store or by calling +44 (0)1932 212284. We’re always be there to provide our expert assistance to our customers. Look forward to hearing from you!