The Internet of Things (IoT), also referred to as Internet of Everything, is the network of physical objects or “things” embedded with electronics, software, sensors and connectivity to enable objects to exchange data with production, operator and/ or other connected devices.
The Internet of Things allows objects to be sensed and controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more direct integration between the physical world and computer-based systems, and resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit. Each thing is uniquely identifiable through its embedded computing system but is able to inter-operate within the existing internet infrastructure.
“Experts estimate that the IoT will consist of almost 50 billion objects by 2020”
Things, in the IoT refer to:
- Heart monitoring implants
- Electric clams in coastal waters
- Automobiles with built-in sensors
- Field operation devices that assist fire-fighters in search and rescue etc.
The ability of things to sense their environment and report on it is immensely useful. Things can increasingly report on their own status, as well as tell us what they are doing and plan to do, which adds another layer of richness to the mix. Things can perform actions for us on request. And in an evolving IoT marketplace, more value can be derived from services related to those connected things than the things themselves.
Another integral part of IoT is how M2M (Machine to Machine) allows both wireless and and wired systems to communicate with other devices of the same type. This integration between the two brings several benefits to the industry and business in general as it has a wide range of applications mostly for monitoring but also for control purposes such as:
- Industrial Automation
- Logistics
- Smart Grid
- Smart Cities
- Health
- Defence etc.
