What is the IoT?

Understanding the Internet of Things

If you are into technology or you simply like to read up on the latest and greatest tech trends, you have most likely heard of the Internet of Things. But, what is the Internet of Things and where is it headed today? In this article, we will explore the IoT and hopefully, you will gain a great deal of knowledge on the subject. While this might seem like a complex matter, it is quite easy to understand once you look into it. Let’s take a peek into the vast world of the Internet of Things.

Exploring the IoT and IoT Devices

So, what is an IoT device? To the surprise of many, any physical object can be considered an Internet of Things device as long as it is capable of connecting to the internet and thereby being controlled by the internet. For instance, even a lightbulb can be an IoT device as long as it can be controlled by a smartphone app. The same goes for a motion sensor or a smart thermostat. Even connected streetlights can belong to this group. Additionally, an IoT device can be as furry as a child’s toy, or as serious as the self-driving car. It can even include something as complex as a jet engine littered with sensors that ensure the engine is working at its utmost capacity.

To be more specific, the term IoT is typically used for a variety of devices that generally would not be expected to be connected to any sort of internet connection, capable of communicating with the network without human assistance. Due to this fact, your everyday PC or smartphone is not considered an IoT device. However, a fitness band or smartwatch may fall under this category as well.

A History of the Internet of Things

Beginning in the 1980s and continuing into the 1990s, the idea of adding sensors and artificial intelligence to everyday objects sprung up. However, technology was not ready for what they were attempting, i.e. an internet connected vending machine. It became imperative to find processors that were both power-frugal and cheap enough to be disposable. Only then would it be cost effective to begin connecting billions of objects to the internet.

A little later, the adoption of RFID tags and IPv6 inevitably enhanced and made the IoT plausible. For those who are unfamiliar, RFID tags are low-power chips that work wirelessly, and the IPv6 provides IP addresses for each device in existence today. The phrase ‘Internet of Things’ was coined in 1999 by a man named Kevin Ashton.

The Internet of Things and the Future

As almost every one of us is seeing today, basically everything can fall into the category of an IoT device. As time passes, we are seeing more smart objects like TV’s, radios, music players, self-driving cars and a whole lot more. Ultimately, the IoT is the future, and soon almost everything will be connected to the internet. The future is here, and it comes equipped with a whole lot of convenience thanks to smart technology.