The fast-moving world of technology and technological advancements is rapidly growing. It is transforming how objects or things were seen or used before. The purpose of such improvements is to facilitate humankind with progressive and practical tech innovations to ease their work, make things cost-effective, and save time and energy.
One such advancement that is gaining popularity nowadays is the Internet of Things (IoT). This article will review what IoT is and how the Internet of Things works. Moving forward, we will also see the different types of IoT nowadays and the benefits and risks of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in our homes.
An Introduction To The World Of The Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things, also known as IoT, refers to the connectivity shared between physical objects or devices in the external world and the Internet, be it wired or wireless. The term was first coined in 1999 by Kevin Ashton in one of his presentations that he made for a company. Though the idea did not gain much popularity back then, in 2011, the world witnessed rising awareness of the Internet of Things when Gartner mentioned IoT in a list of emerging advanced technologies. If we look at the statistics, more than 54% of devices running smoothly nowadays are IoT devices.
How Does The Internet of Things (IoT) Work?
The Internet of Things works in a simple way by utilizing technological processes to connect the physical world to the digital world. There are three essential components used to facilitate the process of connection.
- Sensors:
Sensors are connected to physical objects so that they can detect any sort of movement, change in temperature, or any change in the surrounding environment.
- Actuator:
Actuators function as a device that helps receive signals from the sensors to respond to environmental changes. In other words, they convert a sensory signal into mechanical motion.
- Internet Connection:
Internet connection, be it wired or wireless, is the third essential component that helps in IoT working. The sensors and actuators in physical objects connect and communicate through an internet connection.
Types of Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things is not just limited to home settings. There are multiple types of IoT services made for different sectors. In this part of the article, we will review these types one by one.
- Consumer Internet of Things (CIoT)
Consumer Internet of Things (CIoT) refers to the use of IoT for consumer devices only. Devices and gadgets like smartphones, wearable smart devices, smart assistants, and home appliances are some of the gadgets that fall in this category. CIoT is preferable for short-range communication areas such as homes, offices, and related institutes.
- Commercial Internet of Things
Unlike Consumer IoT, Commercial IoT refers to using the Internet of Things in larger areas and venues. For instance, Commercial IoT is preferably used in commercial office buildings, hospitals, hotels, grocery stores, malls, etc. Commercial IoT aims towards facilitating processes like monitoring environmental conditions, advanced solutions for safety and security, making corporate facilities accessible to employees, etc.
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) focuses on making the operations of the industrial sector efficient and productive. Industrial IoT can be used in large-scale factories and manufacturing plants. For instance, industries like the automotive, healthcare, and agriculture industries are a few examples of places where IIoT is used for essential purposes.
- Internet of Military Things (IoMT)
Internet of Military Things (IoMT), often called Battlefield IoT, is related to the use of the Internet of Things in the military sector for simplifying processes of increasing situational awareness, improving response time, checking risk assessment, etc.
- Infrastructure Internet of Things
The Infrastructure Internet of Things is related to the production and development of smart infrastructure projects that are embedded with the latest technologies of IoT. In a way, Infrastructure Internet of Things is a sub-type of Industrial IoT. Still, because it manages separate functions of efficiency, cost saving, maintenance, etc., this type of IoT has its place in the market.
Internet of Things (IoT) In Our Homes
If you are not familiar with how the Internet of Things (IoT) works in home settings, think about a murder mystery film in which the murderer tries to enter the house, but as soon as he tries to do so, the security system of the house gets activated, and the alarm starts ringing loudly. This technological advancement is one of the few examples of IoT in household settings, and just like that, many other IoT facilities for smart homes help human beings in handling and take control of their physical devices through a single touch or voice command.
Benefits Of The Internet of Things In Household Settings
In this section of the article, we will review some of the advantages or benefits of having the Internet of Things (IoT) in homes:
- Promotes Safety And Security
Having an IoT-activated security system for your smart house improves or strengthens the safety and security structure of the residents in the house or the house itself. The Internet of Things (IoT) devices made for this purpose help in monitoring household activities when the residents are somewhere out, send alarming signals if it detects suspicious activity around the house or neighborhood, activate an alarm system if someone tries to enter the house, etc.
- Cost and Energy Saving
The Internet of Things (IoT) devices work as a great source of energy-saving devices for smart homes. The user of such devices can control how much energy a device takes or consumes and activate the settings where the device will detect and turn off all the unnecessary devices consuming energy. This unique feature of IoT devices makes them cost effective because saving energy consumption reduces the bill and chances of device renewal or repair.
- Authority To Control
It may look as if the Internet of Things (IoT) devices are taking the power of control from human beings, but actually, it is the reverse. IoT activated devices and gadgets make it easier for human beings and give them the authority and charge to control things, appliances, systems, and activities in household settings while saving their energy and time.
- User Friendly
IoT devices are designed to ensure user-friendly services and are easy to learn for the users or residents of the house.
- Room For Customization,
The devices or systems of the Internet of Things (IoT) leaves vast room for customization and personalization according to the needs and preferences of the residents living in the house. For instance, you can set the lighting and temperature settings according to your preference. Just like that, you can manage your kitchen devices or sound system whenever you want with just a command.
- A Source Of Property Value
IoT activated smart home automation gives you a chance to have more excellent property value. Nowadays, people are searching for IoT system operated smart homes to buy, so if you are someone who would like to sell their house, you will find many buyers in the property market rather than just buyers; Real Estate agents and property developers are also looking for such homes for business purposes.
- A Tension Free Environment
The Internet of Things (IoT) facilities ensure you live in a tension-free environment related to your surroundings. Hired a babysitter and are scared about the baby? IoT devices will help you monitor and have a view of your house. Want to start living a healthier life and keep a record to check your progress? IoT wearable devices will help you in doing so. Don’t have time to manage the household systems after coming home from the office or university? Internet of Things (IoT) enabled devices will also help you in this matter.
The Risks of Having The Internet of Things (IoT) In Our Homes
Just like any other technological advancement has its pros and cons, and so does the Internet of Things (IoT). It is crucial to find a well-known mobile app development company and hire a team of professionals for your IoT application development services. These devices, gadgets, systems, and machines always have room for errors and flaws. In this last section of the article, we will review the cons or risks of having the Internet of Things (IoT) in our homes.
- Vulnerability Of Internet Connection
For IoT devices to work efficiently and smoothly, it is crucial to have good internet connectivity. If the internet connection is weak and vulnerable, the IoT devices will stop working, causing problems for the users in many situations.
- The Risk of Mismanagement And Incorrect Learning
We should remember that the Internet of Things (IoT) is still a technological development that requires learning and proper management. For this reason, it is vital for human beings to learn how IoT devices and systems work to eradicate any chance of mismanagement and mistakes.
- Shortage Of Appliances
Since the Internet of Things (IoT) is still a new thing in the market, there is a need for more IoT appliances and facilities in the market, which leads to the IoT appliances being expensive at times and limited as well.
- Security Threats And Information Leakage
The leakage of information is something that makes IoT automation risky for smart homes. Such devices operate by using the consumer’s data; if sensitive or crucial information about the user gets into the hands of robbers or hijackers, that might lead to security threats and dangerous incidents.
- IoT App Development
There are not enough IoT apps in the app store for users, making it a limitation for IoT users. Well-renowned mobile app development companies are constantly delivering their services and solutions for IoT app development.
- Identity Theft
Identity theft is another big risk of using the Internet of Things (IoT) system. Threat actors or hijackers can obtain the data of the user from IoT devices and use their identity for their personal benefit.
Conclusion:
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the next big thing in the world of technology and innovation as it is getting more popular day by day and is grabbing the attention of many people, industries, and other sectors as well. The fact that IoT is making our daily life functions more manageable and more efficient can not be denied, but at the end of the day, we should not forget that even in the world of advancements, human beings should stay vigilant and alert.
