Kevin Ashton is credited with being the initiator of the phrase "Internet of Things" (IoT) in the year 1999. However, the Internet of Things did not begin to acquire traction on a worldwide scale until 2011, when it was included on the list of new emerging technologies that Gartner compiled. There were 21.7 billion active connected devices in the globe as of the year 2021, with more than 11.7 billion of those devices being Internet of Things devices, which accounts for 54 percent of the total. This indicates that there are less non-Internet of Things devices in the globe than there are Internet of Things devices.
What is IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is an umbrella phrase that refers to the billions of physical items or "things" that are linked to the Internet. These "things" all gather and exchange data with other devices and systems that are connected to the Internet.
Although the Internet of Things has been there since the 1990s, current developments in a variety of technologies have made it more applicable in a variety of contexts, including the following:
- Access to affordable and reliable sensors
- Increase in the availability of cloud computing platforms
- Advances in machine learning and AI technologies.
There is a wide variety of devices that can be connected to the internet of things, from simple domestic appliances to complex industrial instruments. In addition to being able to transfer data without the help of humans, each component of the Internet of Things (IoT) has a Unique Identifier (UID).
Types of IoT
The particular Internet of Things application that is being implemented has a significant impact on the networking, communication, and connection protocols. Just as there are a wide variety of Internet of Things devices, there are also a wide variety of Internet of Things applications that may be classified according to how they are used. These are some of the most often seen ones:
- Consumer IoT - Primarily for everyday use. Eg: home appliances, voice assistance, and light fixtures.
- Commercial IoT - Primarily used in the healthcare and transport industries. Eg: smart pacemakers and monitoring systems.
- Military Things (IoMT) - Primarily used for the application of IoT technologies in the military field. Eg: surveillance robots and human-wearable biometrics for combat.
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) - Primarily used with industrial applications, such as in the manufacturing and energy sectors. Eg: Digital control systems, smart agriculture and industrial big data.
- Infrastructure IoT - Primarily used for connectivity in smart cities. Eg: infrastructure sensors and management systems.
Why is IoT Important?
IoT has made it possible for the physical world to meet the digital world and cooperate with each other. It offers numerous benefits to organizations by enabling them to automate and simplify their daily tasks.
As IoT grows exponentially year on year, companies are leveraging the tremendous business values it can offer. Here are some of the most important benefits of IoT:
- To generate new business models and revenue streams
- To improve business decisions through data-driven insights from IoT data
- To increase productivity and efficiency of business operations
- To enhance customer experience
Although the worldwide spending on IoT has been significantly impacted by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a study by IDC shows that it will achieve a CAGR of 11.3 percent over the 2020-2024 forecast period.
What Are IoT Devices?
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a collection of hardware devices, including sensors, gadgets, appliances, and other machinery, that connect to the internet in order to gather and share data. They are able to be incorporated into other Internet of Things devices and are often customized for specific purposes. One example is that an Internet of Things device installed in your vehicle may determine the traffic that is approaching and immediately send a message to the person you are going to meet informing them of your upcoming delay.
How do IoT Devices Work?
Although IoT devices have varied roles, they all operate similarly. First, IoT devices recognize physical events. They connect to a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server and have a CPU, network adapter, and firmware. IP addresses are needed for network operation.
Most IoT devices are setup and maintained by software. For instance, a smartphone app can control house lighting. Some gadgets include built-in web servers, eliminating the need for apps. You enter a room and the lights turn on instantly.
Top 5 Most Popular IoT Devices in 2024
1. Google Home Voice Controller
Google Home voice controller is one of the most popular IoT devices out there today. It provides voice-enabled services like alarms, lights, thermostats, volume control and lots more.
2. Amazon Echo Plus Voice Controller
Amazon Echo Plus voice controller is another popular and reliable IoT device on the market. It provides voice-enabled services like answering phone calls, setting timers and alarms, checking the weather, and lots more.
3. August Doorbell Cam
August Doorbell Cam is an IoT device that allows you to answer your door from any remote location. It constantly captures motion changes and suspicious activity in your doorstep.
4. August Smart Lock
August Smart Lock is a proven and reliable security IoT device that helps users to manage their doors from any remote location. It helps keep thieves away and provides an extra layer of security for your home.