Internet of Things: What is the Internet of Things loT

A brief history of the Internet of Things loT

First, dear reader, let us take you on a historical tour in which we will discuss the beginnings and emergence of the Internet of Things . This will give you an initial understanding of the topic, including its historical origins, how this field has developed over time, its current state, and where it is headed in the future.

The first appearance of this concept can be traced back to the 1960s and 1980s, when engineers, researchers, and developers in network technology began to explore the field. They worked tirelessly to connect devices to computers via the Internet.

In 1982, it is likely that a specialized team of students succeeded in connecting a specific device to a computer to perform a particular function over the Internet. We can say that in 1982, the first successful experiment in the field of the Internet of ThingsloT  took place.

The subject then developed in the new millennium, around the year 2000, when it became commercial. Companies began to rush to develop devices incorporating specialized technologies to connect them to the Internet, such as monitoring and protection devices, smart cameras, speed monitoring cameras, radars, and many other devices that companies started manufacturing and connecting to the Internet.

To be more precise, in 1990, Xerox introduced the Coke machine network, and in 1991, Kevin Ashton, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, highlighted the potential for developing the concept of the Internet of Things loT. We should also not forget the brilliant Bill Gates, who in 1995 wrote the book *The Road Ahead* and presented this concept in a clear and significant way.

Additionally, in 2006, South Korea launched an important project based on the idea of the Internet of Things loT  by building multiple smart networks and issuing key applications and programs in this field. The goal was to connect "things" with other things, and people with those things, so that individuals could access everything quickly and from anywhere. Japan also adopted a similar approach with the same objectives, and the European Union and the United States made significant contributions to this field as well.

After that, there were many significant developments in the Internet of Things loT, with substantial contributions from technological institutes, engineers, developers, researchers, and other professionals involved in the field. It expanded widely and noticeably, becoming an integral part of our daily lives. Today, we use it regularly, and this field still holds many secrets that will be revealed in the future, as it continues to evolve and progress.

The introduction

In general, the concept or term Internet of Things refers to electronic devices and technological means that facilitate the communication process between different devices and the cloud. It also facilitates the communication process of devices with each other or with themselves within a specific network.

Now, it is clear from this name (Internet of Things) that it refers to or aims to make the Internet available to most of the things we use on a daily basis, such as electronic home appliances, air conditioners, televisions, vacuum cleaners, and even the doors of houses. Thanks to technological progress, all of these things have become easy and possible to connect to the Internet and control later. This is due to computer chips and regular bandwidth connections.

So, dear reader, imagine that, thanks to these mechanisms and what we've discussed above, all these smart home devices are equipped with the necessary electronics, responsive chips, and sensing technologies, enabling them to collect data and respond to the users of these devices with ease and smoothness.

How does the Internet of Things(loT) work?

We will now review how the Internet of Things system works. The Internet of Things relies on a set of sensors that connect these devices to a cloud service via a communication network, typically using wireless communication. The program, based on the assigned programming codes, processes this data and takes the required action.

1. Sensors

Sensors are used in the Internet of Things to collect data from the surrounding environment. These sensors can measure a wide range of indicators such as temperature, humidity, motion, and sound. For example, your mobile phone has multiple sensors that help it perform various functions, such as sound and Wi-Fi sensors. While a thermometer has a sensor to measure the temperature and display the appropriate digital value.

2. Communication

After collecting data through sensors, it is sent to the central system using various communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks such as 4G and 5G. In some cases, satellites or other systems may be used to provide connectivity in remote areas. Effective communication between devices is essential for exchanging data and performing operations efficiently.

3. Data processing in the cloud

The data sent to the cloud servers is processed using advanced technologies to analyze it and extract the necessary information. Based on this analysis, alerts may be sent or automated actions may be performed such as activating certain devices or providing reports to the user.

4. User Interface

The user interface is the means by which the user interacts with the system. This interface displays the processed data and allows the user to take appropriate actions, whether through smartphone applications or web platforms.

Basic Technologies of the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things loT relies on a set of basic technologies such as:

• Wireless communication to exchange data between devices.
• Cloud computing to process and store data.
• Big data that manages and analyzes large amounts of information.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning that allow devices to make intelligent decisions based on data.

Internet of Things Statistics

By 2021, there were more than 10 billion devices connected within the Internet of Things system. Expectations indicate that this number will continue to rise significantly in the coming years, reflecting the significant expansion in the use of this technology in various fields such as industry, health, and agriculture.

Uses of the Internet of Things

• Self-driving cars

Self-driving cars use Internet of Things loT technologies, relying on radars and sensors to collect data from the road. Using advanced computer systems, these cars can drive themselves safely and independently. This technology contributes to providing comfort and reducing accidents, in addition to reducing dependence on drivers.

• Smart agriculture

Smart agriculture technologies are used to reduce the effort expended by farmers and improve agricultural productivity. These technologies include cameras, smart devices, and electronic irrigation systems that contribute to monitoring crops and improving the use of resources. Thanks to these technologies, it has become possible to improve crop quality and increase production, which leads to providing more food and reducing costs.

• Health and medicine

In the field of health and medicine, the Internet of Things loT plays a major role through telemedicine. Specialized technologies are used to monitor the health status of patients remotely, allowing doctors to provide consultations and treatment without the need for physical presence. This type of healthcare improves access to treatment and reduces the need for transportation, making life easier for patients and increasing the efficiency of medical services.

These mentioned applications are just examples, and there are dozens of other applications that infiltrate all our daily uses.

Advantages of the Internet of Things

1. Improving productivity and increasing efficiency.
2. Saving time and effort.
3. Saving energy.
4. Improving security.
5. Collecting and providing data.

Disadvantages of the Internet of Things

1. Privacy and security concerns.
2. High cost.
3. Over-reliance on technology.
4. Control and management issues.