How Does the Internet of Things (IoT) Function?

First Posted: Feb 07, 2020 02:16 PM EST
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Internet of things

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One of the biggest changes in the world of technology over the past few years has been the development of an entity called the Internet of Things, often shortened to IoT. With numerous IoT device manufacturers operating in this space, many people find this idea highly technical. Therefore, it might be unclear how the IoT actually works. There are a few key points that everyone should keep in mind. As a whole, the Internet of Things is a network made up of various computing devices, such as digital interfaces and automated machines, that work together. These devices are able to translate signals, data packages, and other forms of information over a network without needing a human to interface directly with the system.

A complete IoT network is going to be made up of several components. The first includes sensors or devices. These machines are used to collect data from the external environment. This might be something as simple as a thermostat collecting temperature information or a computer complex that is collecting video streams from multiple sources. The first step in the world of the IoT is a machine collecting some form of data.

The next component is a way to transmit the data to the cloud. Of course, the information that was collected in the prior step needs a way to get to the cloud. This connectivity is going to take many forms including cellular data networks, satellites, WiFi connections, Bluetooth devices, or even a hardwired ethernet cable. This data connection is crucial to devices that operate within the world of the IoT.

Once the data reaches the cloud, there needs to be some form of data processing that takes place. This might be something simple, such as checking the temperature to make sure the number is acceptable to the computer's algorithm. It might even be something complex, such as a video system that is checking for intruders that might be breaking into the building. What if these values are outside of acceptable ranges? This is where the last component comes in.

Finally, the data that has been collected, transmitted, processed, and interpreted needs to be valuable to the user in some way, shape, or form. For example, the user might get a text or email alert that something has gone wrong. The user might even have a device that allows him or her to interface with the system immediately.

This is the crux of the Internet of Things. There is data that is collected, processed, and sent to the user via a series of devices that do not need human interactions to function. Instead of waiting for the user to interface with the data at every step, the user is only involved when necessary. This is another example of technology making the world a more efficient place.

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