The internet of Things (IoT)

April 08, 2016 | Page views: 2881

The IoT or Internet of Things is the network of physical objects-devices, vehicles, buildings and other items embedded with electronics

Now a days a term IoT is being used extensively in the computer world. What IoT actually is and how much it is significant for us? The IoT or Internet of Things is the network of physical objects-devices, vehicles, buildings and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity for collecting and exchanging of data. IoT actually is a computing concept that describes a future where every day physical objects will be connected to the Internet and be able to identify themselves to other devices. Examples of objects that can fall into the scope of Internet of Things include connected security systems, thermostats, cars, electronic appliances, lights in household and commercial environments, alarm clocks, speaker systems, vending machines and more.

 The IoT is significant because an object that can represent itself digitally becomes something greater than the object by itself. No longer does the object relate just to you, but is now connected to surrounding objects and database data. When many objects act in unison, they are known as having "ambient intelligence." "If we had computers that knew everything there was to know about things - using data they gathered without any help from us - we would be able to track and count everything, and greatly reduce waste, loss and cost. We would know when things needed replacing, repairing or recalling, and whether they were fresh or past their best".

 Most of us think about being connected in terms of computers, tablets and smartphones. IoT describes a world where just about anything can be connected and communicate in an intelligent fashion. In other words, with the Internet of Things, the physical world is becoming one big information system. As far as the reach of the Internet of Things, there are more than 12 billion devices that can currently connect to the Internet, and researchers and experts estimate that by 2020 there will be 26 times more connected things than people.