The Internet of Things has become an important part of the business world especially in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors where data is a big asset. From smart TVs to microwaves and even watches, many gadgets are now equipped with the ability to connect to the internet and communicate with other devices. IoT devices are expected to reach 25 billion by 2025, which shows just how much it is set to grow in the coming years, according to a recent report of Gartner.
What is the Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the technology of connecting devices with other gadgets through the internet, and giving them the ability to identify and communicate and share data with little or no human interference. Simply put, it is a network of devices and appliances that connect and share information with the help of electronics, software, and the internet. These devices may be anything ranging from phones, cars, and watches to kitchen appliances like microwaves and fridges.
With IoT, the devices are able to collect information and share it with efficiency and user experience. The collected data is analyzed to extract meaningful information that could be useful in taking informed action. Usually, the connection and communication done by these computerized devices are devoid of human intervention.
Iot utilizes artificial intelligence, machine to machine communication and machine learning to facilitate remote control of devices that would otherwise lack an internet connection. As such, it provides insight into things that 
wouldn’t be connected to the internet and spurs more awareness of these environments.
How IoT Works
To better understand how IoT works, you have to know its main components and what they do. For the IoT to be effective it requires four essential components; sensors, connectivity, data processing and user interface. Each of these components plays a critical role in the overall functioning of these smart devices. Here’s a breakdown of what every component of the IoT system does.
1. Sensors
Sensors are the first point of contact between the outside environment and the IoT system. They are embedded in gadgets and appliances and work to collect data from the surroundings such as the location, temperatures, light and even moisture and heart rates.
Devices with more than one sensor are more efficient and secure as they can pick up even the slightest changes in the environment. They can also perform a variety of tasks other than just collecting data. A smartphone is the perfect example of a device with multiple sensors like the camera, GPS and accelerometer.
2. Connectivity
After data has been collected by the sensors, it is then sent to the IoT platform
also known as cloud infrastructure through a medium. This medium could be Bluetooth, WiFi, WAN, Cellular networks and Ethernet among others. These mediums allow devices to connect and communicate with each other, therefore facilitating sending and receiving of information.
Every medium differs in terms of power consumption, bandwidth and connectivity range. It is, therefore, crucial to consider how complex the IoT application is, as well as its specific requirements before making a choice. Keep in mind that the speed and availability of the chosen medium highly determine the effectiveness of IoT security which is why you should be keen when choosing the medium to use.
3. Data Processing
Data that is collected and shared to the cloud needs to be processed to acquire useful information and feedback. This is possible through Big Data Engine Analytics. After data has been analyzed, it is then sent back to the end-user so that you can take whatever appropriate action you need to. If you are a business person, for example, data analysis will enable you to predict market trends so that you can plan for the future.
4. User Interface
When data has been processed, information is then sent to the end-user who is notified either through a text, email or even an alarm ring. For you to view and understand the collected data and information, you need a user interface to help you interact with the computer system.
A user interface could come in the form of software and mobile apps, buttons like those on TV remote controls and even voice-controlled commands like the Amazon Alexa. For example, if you may be notified of an intrusion in your home through an alarm, you have a choice to either call the police or ignore it depending on the nature of the intrusion.
In a nutshell, IoT collects data using the sensors and sends it to the cloud with the help of a connection to be processed. The results are then sent to you to take action via a user interface.
Technology is always evolving and IoT continues to be used in improving efficiencies and productivity in various industries. With data being an asset to most businesses, IoT can help you achieve your goals through better tracking, access to real-time data and automation of repetitive tasks which saves you time and money.
For more information about IoT and how to upgrade your online network security, contact Hummingbird Networks at 866-551-3278 today.
