Internet of Things (IoT) is a powerful concept which is changing things around us drastically. It is an architecture where all the devices connect to internet through computing power. It is a way where devices are connected with each other and send some data or information which can further be processed over cloud to generate meaningful analytic result that can help a lot to trigger and automate action according to the analysis. These small devices are called the “THINGS” or more precise “Internet of Things”. The IOT environment comprises of 3 ingredients called Device, Network and Application also known as DNA of Internet of Thing.
The idea is that not only your computer and smartphone can talk with each other, but also all the things around you can talk. From connected homes, cities to connected cars and roads to the devices that track an individual’s behavior use the data collected for “push” services. There are numerous applications that will solve everyday problems and lead to new customer experiences. IOT is best explained as the ability of turning any object / thing into a smart object / thing. Giving an object a unique identity, communication ability will help in knowing if there is something beneficial about your surrounding.
SO HOW IOT WORKS ???
Everything is based on IP address. Every small to big devices/gadgets has its own IP, like plugs at house, TV, every dish washer, washing machine or fridge, up to a cardiac pacemaker in your body. As the range of IPV6 is 340,282,366,920,938,463,463,374,607,431,768,211,456 which is approx 6.67 x 10^27 IP addresses per square meter on our globe. So there is no concern about availability of IP addresses. IOT has a standard where the base is IP. Wi-Fi, Ethernet in our laptops, smartphones, tablets and many more are already on IP. 6LoWPAN is just one more option to use IP for smart objects in the IoT. Yeah !!!! 😀
Few Examples Of IOT :
Internet Of Things is very popular in the fields of medicine. In medical sector it is called as Wireless Body Area Network. In ‘WBAN’ sensors are attached to the patient’s body that monitor various parameter of patient like Heart Rate, Body Temperature,etc and send these data to database over the internet where they can be analysed by the doctor remotely. Few organisations have already adapted to treat the patients.
Some of the popular examples are the fitness trackers like Fitbit and Smart Wrist Watches like the iWatch, Moto360. As this is only the start of a connected and quantified world it will have a drastic change in near future.