What is IoT?

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The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to the collective network of linked objects and the
technology that enables communication between devices and the cloud, as well as between
devices. We now have billions of devices connected to the internet, thanks to the
development of low-cost computer chips and high-bandwidth telephony. This means
everyday devices like toothbrushes, vacuums, cars, and machines can use sensors to collect
data and respond intelligently to users.
The Internet of Things connects ordinary "things" to the internet. Since the 1990s, computer
engineers have been attaching sensors and processors to common things. However,
because the chips were large and cumbersome, development was first slow. RFID tags,
which are low-power computer chips, were first employed to track expensive equipment.
These chips became smaller, quicker, and smarter throughout time as computer devices
shrunk in size.

Major Characteristics of IOT (Internet of Things)

 Intelligence
 Identity
 Connectivity
 Dynamic Nature
 Architecture
 Enormous Scale
 Sensing
 Heterogeneity
 Security
1. Intelligence
IoT is intelligent because it combines algorithms and processing, software and hardware.
Ambient intelligence improves the capabilities of IoT devices, allowing them to respond
intelligently to a situation and assist them in completing specified tasks. Despite the
popularity of intelligent technologies, intelligence in the Internet of Things is solely
concerned with device interaction. In contrast, user and device contact is accomplished
using standard input methods and graphical user interfaces.
2. Identity
Giving the device an identity is an essential component of loT. Identity allows us to
distinguish between multiple internet devices and select the device to which we want to
transmit the command. Depending on the type of data produced, each device requires a
particular level of control. It is essential to provide each device a distinct identification so
that we can set up passwords or other security measures. For example, fingerprints, facial
recognition IP addresses, and facial lock systems are some of the security measures used to
safeguard the many identifiable devices.
3. Connectivity
By connecting everyday devices, connectivity enables the Internet of Things. Because simple
object-level interactions contribute to collective intelligence in an IoT network, connectivity
of these things is critical. It allows for network connectivity and device interoperability. The
networking of intelligent devices and apps can provide new commercial prospects for the
Internet of Things with this connectivity.
4. Dynamic Nature
The primary function of the Internet of Things is to gather data from its surroundings. The
data is accomplished through the dynamic changes around the devices. The condition of
these devices changes dynamically, such as sleeping and waking up, being connected or
disconnected, and the context of devices, such as temperature, location, and speed.
5. Architecture
IoT architecture should be hybrid, allowing for multiple manufacturers to participate. As a
result, nature cannot be homogeneous. There is no engineering branch called IoT. When
several domains join together, IoT emerges.
6. Enormous Scale
The number of devices that must be managed and communicated with one another will be
far more than the number of devices currently linked to the Internet. The management and
analysis of data provided by these devices for application purposes have become
increasingly important.
7. Sensing
Sensors that detect or measure changes in the environment to generate data that can
report on their condition or even interact with the environment are essential to the Internet
of Things. Sensing technologies enable the development of capabilities that reflect a proper
understanding of the physical environment and its inhabitants. Although sensing data is
analog input from the physical world, it can provide a deep insight into our complicated
reality.
8. Heterogeneity
One of the significant aspects of the Internet of Things is heterogeneity. Devices in the
Internet of Things are based on many hardware platforms and networks, and they can
communicate with other devices or service platforms over various networks. Direct network
connectivity between heterogeneous networks should be supported by IoT architecture.
Scalabilities, modularity, extensibility, and interoperability are the core design criteria for
heterogeneous things.
9. Security
IoT devices are inherently vulnerable to cyber-attacks. It is a mistake to overlook security
problems while gaining efficiencies, innovative experiences, and other benefits from the
Internet of Things. IoT has a high level of transparency and privacy concerns. Securing
endpoints, networks, and the data transported between them all necessitates the
development of a security paradigm.
10. Self Improvement
IoT upgrades itself without assistance from humans thanks to its artificial intelligence.
Regular software updates are crucial; therefore, the feature of self-improvement or
upgradation is very important. Also, the technology can immediately begin operating if the
setup is already complete.
11. Data Driven
In addition to gaining significant competitive advantages, data-driven IoT can transform
organisations so that they are resilient, composable, and able to adapt to new business
models, processes, and products before the competition and market trends.
IoT devices and systems gather massive volumes of data from sensors and other sources,
which can then be analysed and used to drive decision-making.
12. Context Awareness
An important aspect of the Internet of Things (IoT) is its context-awareness nature. It is the
ability to comprehend and react to the environment and context in which they are
functioning is referred to as context awareness. Any information that is pertinent to a
certain entity, such as a person, a device, or an application, is included in the context.
IoT devices and systems can make decisions and take actions based on the context in which
they are functioning, thanks to context awareness.

What are examples of IoT devices?

Some examples of IoT devices are as follows:
Motion Detectors: These tools can spot structural irregularities and disturbances that could
trigger disastrous failures. Motion sensors can pick up vibrations in huge structures like
buildings, bridges, dams, and others.
Activity Monitors: Activity trackers are sensor-based gadgets that may continuously
monitor and communicate important health markers. You may monitor and control your
oxygen levels, appetite, physical activity, and blood pressure.
Smart Home Appliances: IoT connections are used to connect a range of sensors, lights,
alarms, and cameras—all of which can be managed from a smartphone—to provide security
around the clock.
Connected Car: Similar to connecting to a wireless network in a home or office, these cars
have an Internet connection that they may share with other users.
Smart Cities: The Internet of Things may ease traffic congestion, lower crime rates, and
minimise noise and pollution with the right connections and data. By addressing genuine
issues that everyday inhabitants confront, the IoT has the ability to advance entire cities
completely.
Advantages of Internet of Things
 It saves a significant amount of our time by lowering the human effort

 IoT devices can automate jobs as they interact and communicate with one
another, enhancing the quality of a company's services and requiring less
human involvement

 With the correct tracking system and IoT technologies, asset tracking, delivery,
surveillance, traffic or transportation tracking, inventory control, individual
order tracking, and customer management may all be done more affordably

 It gives safety for the individual and improves security

Disadvantages of Internet of Things

 They have a high reliance on the internet and are unable to function well
without it

 It takes a lot of work to design, create, manage, and enable a large technical
infrastructure for the Internet of Things

 IoT systems are networked and connected, which raises security concerns

 Since there is no global IoT interoperability standard, communication between

devices made by various manufacturers is difficult

1. What are the components of IoT?

The three main components of the Internet of Things are mentioned below.

 Devices
 Internet
 Connectivity

2. Give some examples of IoT devices?

IoT devices are of various kinds like home devices, network devices, security devices, smart
home devices, etc.

3. What is the most important characteristic of IoT Devices?

The most important characteristic of IoT Devices is communication between the two
devices, as it helps to understand the configurations of one device over another.

4. List some advantages of IoT?

 It helps in minimizing the human efforts in using the devices.
 It saves essential assets like time, electricity, etc.
 The resource is very efficiently used in IoT.

5. List some disadvantages of IoT?

 Some privacy concerns can raise the IoT Devices.
 It is more dependent on the Internet which may lead to malware attacks.
 As most of the work is performed by machines, it can lead to reducing jobs for
humans.