The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects, devices, vehicles and other items which are embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity, which enables these objects to collect and exchange data. It allows objects to be sensed and controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more-direct integration between the physical world and computer-based systems. It is estimated that IoT will consist of almost 50 billion objects by 2020.
The IoT has evolved from the convergence of wireless technologies, micro-electromechanical systems and the Internet. The first Internet appliance based on IoT was a Coke machine at Carnegie Melon University in the early 1980s. The programmers could connect to the machine over the Internet, check the status of the machine and determine whether or not there. The concept has since then moved to Internet of Everything (IoE).
Analysis by Cisco reveals that IoE is a $4.6 trillion opportunity for global public-sector organisations over the next decade, as a result of cost savings, increased productivity, new revenues and enhanced citizen experiences. Smart Cities Mission of the Government is a bold, new initiative which uses the concept of IoT. Smart City is the product of accelerated development of the new generation information technology and knowledge-based economy, based on the network combination of the Internet, telecommunications network, broadcast network, wireless broadband network and other sensors networks with IoT technology as its core. The IoT applications that leverage ubiquitous connectivity, big data and analytics are enabling Smart City initiatives all over the world.
As a result, IoT offerings are transforming cities by improving infrastructure, creating more efficientand cost effective municipal services, enhancing public transportation, reducing traffic congestion, and keeping citizens safe and more engaged in the community.
The IoT has been gradually bringing a series of technological changes in our daily lives, which in turn helps to make our life simpler and more comfortable through various technologies and applications. There is innumerable usefulness of IoT applications in various domains including medical, manufacturing, industrial, transportation, education, governance, mining, habitat etc.
The writer is Pulkit Manocha
(MCA student, DIAS-IPU)