The internet of things, or IoT, describes any system of real-world items, or things, connected via a network. Over this network, these things can communicate data, collect information remotely, optimize, automate, and more.
To add these items to the network, each object is assigned an IP address, which stands for Internet Protocol. If an object cannot be assigned an IP address or cannot transfer data, it cannot be used in a system like this.
How Does IoT Work?
A key element of the internet of things is that not any item can be connected. Each object that you connect to this network must be set up to collect, store, and transmit data. This means that they must be web-enabled as they connect to the IoT gateway to send the data.
One of the major benefits of IoT is the lack of human input required. The entire system can sense, collect, store, and transmit data without the help of humans. Once they are set up and programmed, the next time a human will be required is to receive and look at the data if that is not done by the device itself.
What Can IoT Do?
The internet of things allows humans to eliminate the necessity of human-operated devices. This means it expands, optimizes, and automates data collection beyond the scope of what one person can achieve.
IoT is commonly used to monitor processes remotely, observe customer behavior for improved CX, automate operational systems, and more. Businesses find that it helps improve efficiency and cut down on cost and effort. It can even be used for personal purposes to increase your daily convenience or improve your health. (1)
IoT for Medicine
The healthcare field is one where manpower is limited. Physicians can’t always make house calls to continually check in on every patient. The internet of things allows doctors and hospitals to monitor patients’ vitals remotely.
Heart monitor implants are a great example of how this system can be better and less prone to human error than having patients self-monitor and record. These implants can send data about the patient directly to the hospital.
Large hospitals can also use the internet of things to track important assets. For example, they can use innate sensors to quickly locate sparse chairs and other equipment for patient use. (2)
IoT for Business
Data collection in business is one of the best ways to improve efficiency. It can give insights such as the operational performance of equipment, machinery, and the supply chain.
The IoT allows for improved and increased data collection. It also automates processes. This means reduced labor costs, and allocating employees to more important projects.
IoT for Lifestyle
In personal use, many families automate their homes with smart devices connected to the IoT. They can control web-enabled lights, thermostats, and locks locally or remotely via a cellphone.
IoT for Agriculture
The use of the internet of things in agriculture allows massive data collection for the strategic automation of farming equipment. Important factors can be sensed and analyzed from the weather to the soil.
This allows for the most effective farming strategies as it is not prone to human error during data collection or transmission. Farmers can also automate machinery and equipment using the IoT. (3)
Other Industries That Use IoT
This system is also utilized in industries like infrastructure, finance, retail, and manufacturing. It is commonly part of ensuring worker safety in general, connecting the innate sensors on operational machinery to prevent danger or damage.
Should We Worry about IoT & Privacy?
Because of its use in essential industries like infrastructure and healthcare, there are risks with using an IoT. Hackers may attempt to access the wealth of personal data being shared within the network. In this case, individuals, businesses, and even hospitals could be left vulnerable. So strong security is necessary for every internet of things.
When Was IoT Created?
M2M, or Machine to Machine communication, was the first iteration of the IoT back in the 1980s. Early traces of this technology are also found in SCADA, or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. As technology has continued to develop and new devices emerged, the M2M and SCADA technology gave way to IoT and a new age of data collection and transmission. (4)
What Is A Helium IoT Hotspot?
A Helium hotspot may seem like a new concept to some. However as of 2019, this device has allowed users to utilize a wireless network for IoT devices that use low power consumption. It uses an open source technology called LongFi (LoRaWAN), while providing connectivity for up to hundreds of square miles. This connectivity allows you to transmit data at a considerably lower rate when compared to the use of a cellular network.
One use case for these devices is connectivity and transmission of data. Other uses include mining which allow users to generate and earn HNT cryptocurrency. This helps to build a network, as well as provide compensation to those who contribute. (5)
How Does A Helium Hotspot Generate Income?
A Helium hotspot generates income through the earning of cryptocurrency tokens. If you’re familiar with the blockchain and its way of tracking or validating data. Validation is achieved through a Proof-of-Coverage (PoC) algorithm.
These tokens are earned typically in four different ways on the blockchain.
- Challenges: Are encrypted messages sent wirelessly to a group of hosts or hotspots.
- Proof-of-Coverage (PoC): Typically used to validate wireless coverage of your peers.
- Witnesses: Reporting the activity that is performed through Proof-of-Coverage beacons / hotspots.
- Network Data Transfer: HNT is distributed to hotspots that transfer data throughout the network, based on the amount transferred. (6)
Learn more about how the internet of things can improve your personal or professional life and take advantage of this powerful technology.
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References
1. ZDNet, What is the IoT? Everything you need to know about the Internet of Things right now, retrieved from: https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-the-internet-of-things-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-iot-right-now/
2. Wipro Limited, What can IoT do for Healthcare, retrieved from: https://www.wipro.com/business-process/what-can-iot-do-for-healthcare-/
3. Eastern Peak, IoT In Agriculture: 8 Technology Use Cases For Smart Farming (And Challenges To Consider), retrieved from: https://easternpeak.com/blog/iot-in-agriculture-technology-use-cases-for-smart-farming-and-challenges-to-consider/
4. IoT Analytics, Why the Internet of Things is called Internet of Things: Definition, history, disambiguation, retrieved from: https://iot-analytics.com/internet-of-things-definition/
5. Medium, What is Helium Network?, retrieved from: https://medium.com/coinmonks/what-is-helium-network-fad1dc1e09c2
6. Helium, Build The People’s Network, retrieved from: https://www.helium.com/mine
7. Helium, Mining Documentation, retrieved from: https://docs.helium.com/blockchain/mining/
8. Helium, LoRaWAN On Helium, retrieved from: https://docs.helium.com/lorawan-on-helium