Really, What is the Internet of Things?
November 16, 2015 | INDERSCIENCE PUBLISHERSEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The Internet of Things, IoT, the cloud, big data...buzzwords for the modern age. But, asks Won Kim, Jaehyuk Choi and colleagues in the Department of Software at Gachon University, in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea: Is the IoT actually anything new and how does it work? Writing in the International Journal of Web and Grid Services, the team offer some answers and a high-level view of the IoT from the perspective of its architecture.
"The IoT is defined as the interconnection of uniquely identifiable embedded computing devices within the existing Internet infrastructure," explain the researchers. The 'things' are smart devices with some kind of sensor and network communication functionality and can include anything from webcams and microphones to environmental gas sensors, medical diagnostics devices and infamously the smart refrigerator.
"In a sense, the IoT is not really new," the team says. "All the components of the IoT have been around for some time: the Internet, smart embedded devices, sensors of various types and communication technologies that connect devices." They point out that there have been available for some time services that collect data from sensors, transmit it to other devices or central servers for data processing and data mining and tools that actuate and manage remote devices, such as weather stations and even vacuum-cleaning robots and lawnmowers.
One thing that is perhaps new is that increasingly the smart devices that make up the IoT now usually require their own internet protocol, IP, address. Research suggests that by 2020 there will be 30 billion or so connected "things" each with a unique IP and the majority of those will be wireless devices. Such vast numbers and the vast quantities of data they will generate will almost certainly only be manageable with distributed 'cloud services' and 'big data' computer facilities.
"Although many IoT applications have come to the market, the big challenge is to develop IoT applications and business models that will fill the unmet needs and wants of users," the team reports. Moreover, these solutions must be commercially viable. The trade press and early adopters are finding their way testing the smart devices and systems. However, the Internet of Things is yet to mature to match the hyperbole, energy requirements, applications, and costs must all shift substantially to allow us to recognize and realize what benefits the IoT will ultimately bring us.
Suggested Items
Ansys, NVIDIA Pioneer Next Era of Computer-Aided Engineering
03/29/2024 | ANSYSAnsys announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to develop next-generation simulation solutions powered by accelerated computing and generative AI.
Cogiscan Collaborates with Koh Young to Unveil How Factory Insights Software Transforms Data Into Action at IPC APEX EXPO
03/28/2024 | Koh YoungKoh Young, the industry leader in True3D measurement-based inspection solutions, is excited to announce Factory Insights, the latest offering from Cogiscan, will be demonstrated alongside KSMART in Koh Young booth 2112 during IPC APEX Expo.
ASMPT to Exhibit Smart Manufacturing at IPC APEX EXPO 2024
03/27/2024 | ASMPTWith its innovative, data-driven Intelligent Factory concept and a comprehensive hardware and software portfolio around SMT production, market and innovation leader ASMPT will be a major presence at the IPC APEX EXPO 2024, the industry’s main event in California.
Semtech Pioneers the Path to 6G with Advanced 5G Wireless Technologies
03/27/2024 | BUSINESS WIRESemtech Corporation, a leader in high-performance semiconductors, IoT systems and cloud connectivity services, unveiled its latest innovations poised to shape the future of 5G and pave the way for 6G.
IDC: Half of Asia’s Top Firms to Embrace AI-Driven Headless BI and Analytics by 2026
03/27/2024 | IDCA recent IDC FutureScape report, IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Data and Analytics 2024 Predictions — Asia/Pacific (Excluding Japan) Implications, highlights that by 2026, 50% of Asia/Pacific-based Top 2000 organizations (A2000) will adopt AI-driven headless BI and analytics with chat, Q&A, and proactive notification functionality, quadrupling the number of users with access to contextual information.