IoT security theme with aerial view of Manhattan, NY skyline
You keep hearing about IoT devices, but you have no idea what they are or how they work, right? The internet of things is changing how devices connect with each other, making for a more convenient society.
Connected devices make our homes, our businesses, and our everyday lives more seamless and enjoyable. They help take away unnecessary stress and add a layer of luxury to our everyday routines.
But what is IoT and how does it work? And why do connected devices matter for you? Want to learn about how IoT works and its biggest benefits? Then keep reading to find out now.
The IoT, or Internet of Things, is a network of connected devices or physical objects that record and transmit data automatically. They don’t require humans to intervene or hit the send button.
These objects come with sensors and other data-gathering technology. This can include the tech found in fitness trackers or smartwatches that can record heart rate and so forth.
The objects gather data, analyze it, and put it into useful terms in order for specific actions to take place. This data is also studied and used for research purposes.
The networks themselves are closed and private, allowing for the safe and secure transfer of data to other silos on the same, or other designated networks. This can allow businesses with facilities across the country or world to transmit data automatically to where it needs to go.
The internet of things is what enables these networks and the connected devices to function.
Devices connected with the IoT can range widely. Essentially, any technology that contains room for improvement can be connected. It just takes adding the appropriate sensors. Here are some common devices connected to the IoT.
Industrial facilities and manufacturing plants are widely using the IoT to improve performance. By adding sensors to their machinery and production line, data can be gathered constantly during normal workflow.
This data can pinpoint weaknesses, inefficiencies, and areas that can be improved. When it comes to manufacturing, one small change in the right direction can have a massive impact on productivity and the bottom line.
Not only can hit help save time and money, but sensors can also identify environmental weaknesses. Sensors can track emissions which helps companies better deal with their carbon footprint.
Objects around a city can also become connected in order to provide a city planning committee to understand patterns. This can include stoplights and traffic flow. Or it can be streetlights.
Cites can also track usage of recreational spaces, parks, bike lanes, sidewalks, and other features. All of this data would help a city plan a more efficient system of serving its citizens. When it comes down to it, this known as a smart city.
Many people are already aware of connected devices used in the healthcare industry. Many types of wearable technology exist to help us track vitals such as heart rate, sleep patterns, brain activity, and more.
The IoT would then allow data to be transferred automatically from patient to healthcare provider. This would give doctors a better understanding of a patient’s condition in the real world.
Connected devices are also making retail stores and restaurants much more efficient as well. A commercial freezer is often stocked full of expensive products. In healthcare facilities, freezers serve an even greater function by protecting life-saving materials.
If something were to happen to your freezer and the temperature begins to rise, that’s a problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. Appropriate sensors can enable a commercial freezer temperature alarm to notify users on their smartphones. That way, the issue can be dealt with right away.
Temperature monitors can also provide detailed, minute-by-minute temperature reporting. This saves team members the hassle of always having to manually track and record temperatures.
Retail giants such as Walmart are using the IoT to track refrigeration. This ensures customers are purchasing safe products. Along with that, Walmart tracks millions of other data points in its stores alone.
Businesses, corporations, and governing organizations aren’t the only ones who benefit and use the IoT. Individual consumers and households are already starting to fill with connected devices. Here are some of the most common.
With more people working from home than ever before, there is a demand to make homes more efficient as a workspace. Technology such as Alexa already helps people manage their days.
AI assistants can help people to schedule appointments, set up daily reminders, and many other tasks. But it’s likely these AI assistants will be doing much more for us in the months and years to come.
Smart thermostats are rapidly being installed across the US. These handy little wall units allow for greater control over your home’s heating and cooling.
In fact, you can adjust and turn off/on your unit from your smartphone, even when you aren’t home. These in turn help to save a lot of money on utilities.
It’s important to note that, even though the IoT is revolutionizing society, it’s far from perfect. While in theory, the data transfers are secure, security is still an issue.
Attacks are common and cybersecurity is more important than ever before. Especially with the large amount of important data being shared across networks.
On top of that, many consumers are worried that the IoT is tracking too much information about their personal lives. They fear that privacy is long gone.
So while corporations are eager to adopt this new technology, it often comes at the expense of the individual consumer. After all, what are all those sensors tracking, if it isn’t the people who are spending money every day?
Many believe that the IoT is going to help usher in a fourth industrial revolution. Connected devices are changing the playing field for both businesses and consumers.
As technology improves and security measures increase, we can expect to see much wider use of the IoT in the coming years.
Looking for more information like this? You can check out other articles on our blog today for more interesting content.
Image Attribution:
Adobe Stock royalty-free image #209805181, ‘IoT security theme with aerial view of Manhattan, NY skyline’ uploaded by Tierney, standard license purchased from https://stock.adobe.com/images/download/209805181; file retrieved on February 16th, 2019. License details available at https://stock.adobe.com/license-terms – image is licensed under the Adobe Stock Standard License
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