The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming a hot topic of conversation because of its concept, which not only has the potential to affect our lifestyle but also how we work.
So what exactly is the Internet of Things? Are there any significant impacts? Are you ready to dive into the complexities surrounding the Internet of Things?
It’s a good idea to stick to the basics before diving deeper.
What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
Internet of Things (IoT) is a computing concept of everyday objects connected to the internet and can identify themselves with other devices. It includes other sensor technologies, wireless technology, or QR ( Quick Response ) codes.
Internet connection is a wonderful thing, and it can provide us with all kinds of benefits that were previously difficult to obtain. Take your cell phone before it became a smartphone as an example.
Calling and sending text messages can be done with your old cell phone. But now, you can read books, watch movies, or listen to music via your internet-connected smartphone.
So, the Internet of Things is a pretty simple concept, which means connecting all the physical objects in everyday life to the Internet.
Internet of Things (IoT) Principles
The term ” Internet of Things ” consists of two main parts: the Internet, which regulates connectivity, and Things, which means objects or devices.
In simple terms, you have “ Things ” that can collect and send data to the Internet and can be accessed by other “ Things ” as well.
Let’s see a short explanation of each principle below.
Big Analog Data
Big Analog Data can be obtained from natural sources such as light, radio signals, vibration, temperature, etc. They can be generated by mechanical or electronic equipment.
Big Analog Data is the largest and fastest type of Big Data compared to other types of Big Data. So, in many ways, Big Analog Data needs to be treated.
Perpetual Connectivity
Perpetual Connectivity is connectivity that continuously connects the device to the Internet. It can provide three main benefits such as:
- Monitor: On-going monitoring that provides knowledge that contains real-time information about the use of a product or user in an industrial environment.
- Maintain: Continual monitoring allows us to make improvements or certain actions as needed.
- Motivate: Constant and continuous connectivity with consumers or workers allows business actors or organization owners to motivate others to buy products, take action, and so on.
Real-Time
The definition of real-time for IoT is different from real-time in general. Real-time starts from the sensor or when the data is obtained. Real-time for IoT does not begin when it hits a network switch or computer system.
The Spectrum of Insight
” Spectrum of Insight ” comes from IoT data related to its position in five phases of data flow, namely real-time, in motion (moving), early life, at rest (when resting), and archives.
Still related to the previous point about real-time in IoT, real-time is needed to determine the direct response of the control system.
At the other end of the spectrum, data archived in the data center or cloud can be retrieved for comparative analysis against more recent data.
Immediacy Versus Depth
One can instantly get “ Time-to-Insight ” on rudimentary analytics such as temperature comparisons, or fast Fourier transforms to determine whether turning a wheel on a tram will cause an accident.
Time (time) here is needed to get in-depth insight (insight) about data. The data collected takes a long time to analyze and many back-end computer devices.
Shift Left
As the previous point explains, getting quick and thorough insights is difficult.
The drive to gain these insights will result in the advanced computing and data analysis reserved for the cloud or data center.
The Next V
Big Data is usually marked with a “V,” volume, Velocity, Variety, and Value. The next V in question is Visibility. When data is collected, data scientists worldwide must be able to view and access it as needed.
Visibility offers convenience that saves users from transferring large amounts of data to distant people or locations.
Internet of Things (IoT) Benefits
The three main benefits that can get directly from IoT:
Connectivity
In this digital era, you can say goodbye to the age of manual device operation. Operating many things from one device, such as a smartphone, can be done With IoT.
Efficiency
Increased connectivity decreases the amount of time normally spent doing the same task.
For example, voice assistants like Apple’s Homepod or Amazon’s Alexa provide answers to a question without the need to pick up the phone or turn on the computer.
Convenience
IoT devices such as smartphones are starting to become devices that are commonly owned by most people.
For example, smart refrigerators and Amazon Dash Buttons make it easy to reorder items with just one or two actions showing your agreement.
Internet of Things Devices Examples
Currently, the production and use of Internet of Things devices are increasing very rapidly. IoT devices include laptops, smartphones, smart gadgets, smartwatches, and more.
The following are examples of other IoT devices already widely used in the digital age.
Nest Smart Thermostat
The Nest is an internet-connected thermostat. Nest can learn your routine and automatically adjust the temperature when you are home or outside, awake or asleep, hot or cold.
Nest make your home more efficient and help you save on heating and cooling bills. The mobile app allows you to edit your schedule and change the temperature when you’re not at home.
August Smart Lock
With a smart lock device, you no longer need a key because the lock will automatically open when you get home and lock when you close the door.
You can also give a guest key to a friend or housekeeper and set an expiration time when you no longer want to provide access to your home.
Automatic Car Tracking Adapter
The automatic Car Tracking Adapter can track information about your car using the in-car adapter. This device tracks mileage, driving hours, fuel costs, fuel efficiency, location, etc.
You can connect it with other applications to get more benefits. Many vehicles in this era already have IoT capabilities that owners can monitor further.
Learn IoT Programming
Before you learn Internet of Things (IoT) programming, let’s first look at the tips below.
Have More Understanding About Sensor
Unlike the average developer, those interested in programming in the IoT space must deeply understand sensors and wireless communications.
Apart from computing, IoT will take you into mechanical and civil engineering as sensors collect physical data. For that, it would be even better if the IoT developer had a computer science and engineering background.
Learn JavaScript or Python
You need to master a web-based language for back-end data processing before pursuing a career as an IoT developer. JavaScript is the ideal language for processing new data from the device and triggering actions.
In addition, Python has also considered a general programming language that must be mastered before entering the world of IoT, along with several devices that are compatible with Windows IoT.
Playing with Raspberry Pi
For those who don’t have a computer science degree, you can hone your skills by completing projects on the Raspberry Pi.
The Raspberry Pi is a small computer that is not expensive and is often used as a medium for completing IoT projects. IoT projects on the Raspberry Pi are a great way to learn how to combine simple circuits and connect those circuits with software.
Putting together a few simple demo projects and creating and executing multiple IoT projects is a great way to show that you have the initiative and knowledge to dive into IoT programming.