Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects—“things”—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. These devices range from ordinary household objects to sophisticated industrial tools. With more than 7 billion connected IoT devices today, experts are expecting this number to grow to 10 billion by 2020 and 22 billion by 2025. Oracle has a network of device partners

Why is Internet of Things so important?

Over the past few years, IoT has become one of the most important technologies of the 21st century. Now that we can connect everyday objects—kitchen appliances, cars, thermostats, baby monitors—to the internet via embedded devices, seamless communication is possible between people, processes, and things.

By means of low-cost computing, the cloud, big data, analytics, and mobile technologies, physical things can share and collect data with minimal human intervention. In this hyperconnected world, digital systems can record, monitor, and adjust each interaction between connected things. The physical world meets the digital world—and they cooperate.

What technologies have made IoT possible?

While the idea of IoT has been in existence for a long time, a collection of recent advances in a number of different technologies has made it practical.

• Access to low-cost, low-power sensor technology. Affordable and reliable sensors are making IoT technology possible for more manufacturers.
• Connectivity. A host of network protocols for the internet has made it easy to connect sensors to the cloud and to other “things” for efficient data transfer.
• Cloud computing platforms. The increase in the availability of cloud platforms enables both businesses and consumers to access the infrastructure they need to scale up without actually having to manage it all.
• Machine learning and analytics. With advances in machine learning and analytics, along with access to varied and vast amounts of data stored in the cloud, businesses can gather insights faster and more easily. The emergence of these allied technologies continues to push the boundaries of IoT and the data produced by IoT also feeds these technologies.
• Conversational artificial intelligence (AI). Advances in neural networks have brought natural-language processing (NLP) to IoT devices (such as digital personal assistants Alexa, Cortana, and Siri) and made them appealing, affordable, and viable for home use.

What is industrial IoT?

Industrial IoT (IoT) refers to the application of IoT technology in industrial settings, especially with respect to instrumentation and control of sensors and devices that engage cloud technologies. Recently, industries have used machine-to-machine communication (M2M) to achieve wireless automation and control. But with the emergence of cloud and allied technologies (such as analytics and machine learning), industries can achieve a new automation layer and with it create new revenue and business models. IIoT is sometimes called the fourth wave of the industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0. The following are some common uses for IIoT:

• Smart manufacturing
• Connected assets and preventive and predictive maintenance
• Smart power grids
• Smart cities
• Connected logistics
• Smart digital supply chains

Unlock business value with IoT

As IoT becomes more widespread in the marketplace, companies are capitalizing on the tremendous business value it can offer. These benefits include:

• Deriving data-driven insights from IoT data to help better manage the business
• Increasing productivity and efficiency of business operations
• Creating new business models and revenue streams
• Easily and seamlessly connecting the physical business world to the digital world to drive quick time to value

What are IoT applications?

IoT applications use machine learning algorithms to analyse massive amounts of connected sensor data in the cloud. Using real-time IoT dashboards and alerts, you gain visibility into key performance indicators, statistics for mean time between failures, and other information. Machine learning–based algorithms can identify equipment anomalies and send alerts to users and even trigger automated fixes or proactive counter measures.

With cloud-based IoT applications, business users can quickly enhance existing processes for supply chains, customer service, human resources, and financial services. There’s no need to recreate entire business processes.

How the Internet of Things works

At the foundation of the IoT is Internet Protocol (IP) and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). These standards and rules form the basis for sensors, devices, and systems to connect with the Internet and with each other. The IoT processes data from the devices and communicates the information via wired and wireless networks, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G and LTE cellular, radio frequency identification (RFID), and near field communication (NFC). Typically, IoT devices connect to IoT gateways or edge devices that collect data. They feed data to and from cloud computing environments, which store and process the information. A broad array of networking standards ensure that the data is then sharable and reaches the correct “thing,” thereby connecting the physical world with the digital.

Two basic types of connected devices exist: digital-first and physical-first. The former consists of machines and devices specifically designed with built-in connectivity, such as smartphones, streaming media players, mobile payment terminals, agricultural combines, and jet engines. Digital-first devices generate data and communicate with other machines through machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. Physical-first devices, on the other hand, include a microchip or a sensor with communication capabilities. For example, a key chain, a vehicle, or a medical device in a hospital may contain a chip—added after it was manufactured—that makes the object or product newly functional and traceable. Some observers classify products according to a more detailed spectrum of interactivity, consisting of not two categories but five, ranging from the pure digital (followed by digital first, dual use, and physical first) to pure device (without any digital capabilities).

What are examples of IoT devices?

Let’s look at some examples of IoT systems in use today:

Connected cars

There are many ways vehicles, such as cars, can be connected to the internet. It can be through smart dashcams, infotainment systems, or even the vehicle’s connected gateway. They collect data from the accelerator, brakes, speedometer, odometer, wheels, and fuel tanks to monitor both driver performance and vehicle health. Connected cars have a range of uses:

• Monitoring rental car fleets to increase fuel efficiency and reduce costs.
• Helping parents track the driving behavior of their children.
• Notifying friends and family automatically in case of a car crash.
• Predicting and preventing vehicle maintenance needs.

Connected homes

Smart home devices are mainly focused on improving the efficiency and safety of the house, as well as improving home networking. Devices like smart outlets monitor electricity usage and smart thermostats provide better temperature control. Hydroponic systems can use IoT sensors to manage the garden while IoT smoke detectors can detect tobacco smoke. Home security systems like door locks, security cameras, and water leak detectors can detect and prevent threats, and send alerts to homeowners. 

Connected devices for the home can be used for:

• Automatically turning off devices not being used.
• Rental property management and maintenance.
• Finding misplaced items like keys or wallets.
• Automating daily tasks like vacuuming, making coffee, etc.

Smart cities

IoT applications have made urban planning and infrastructure maintenance more efficient. Governments are using IoT applications to tackle problems in infrastructure, health, and the environment. IoT applications can be used for:

• Measuring air quality and radiation levels.
• Reducing energy bills with smart lighting systems.
• Detecting maintenance needs for critical infrastructures such as streets, bridges, and pipelines.
• Increasing profits through efficient parking management.

Smart buildings

Buildings such as college campuses and commercial buildings use IoT applications to drive greater operational efficiencies. IoT devices can be use in smart buildings for:

• Reducing energy consumption.
• Lowering maintenance costs.
• Utilizing work spaces more efficiently.

The history of the Internet of Things

Although examples of interconnected electronic devices exist as far back as the early 19th century, with the invention of the telegraph and its ability to transmit information by coded signal over distance, the origins of the IoT date to the late 1960s. It was then that a group of prominent researchers began exploring ways to connect computers and systems. A prime example of this work was ARPANET, the network created by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) of the U.S. Defence Department; this network was a forerunner of today’s Internet.

By the mid-1990s the Internet extended those capabilities globally, and researchers and technologists began exploring ways that humans and machines could better connect. In 1997 British technologist Kevin Ashton, cofounder of the Auto-ID Centre at MIT, began exploring a technology framework, radio-frequency identification (RFID), that would allow physical devices to connect via microchips and wireless signals, and it was in a speech in 1999 that Ashton coined the phrase “the Internet of Things.” Within a few years smartphones, cloud computing, advancements in processing power, and improved software algorithms had created a framework for collecting, storing, processing, and sharing data in a more robust way.

The IoT continues to evolve. Today it supports an array of use cases, including artificial intelligence used for ultrasophisticated simulations, sensing systems that detect pollutants in water supplies, and systems that monitor farm animals and crops. For example, it is now possible to track the location and health of animals and to apply remotely optimal levels of water, fertilizer, and pesticides to crops.

Security, privacy, and safety concerns about the Internet of Things

A major concern for the IoT is the ability to build in adequate security protections. Hackers have already breached video systems, Internet-enabled baby monitors, medical devices, and even automobiles, and they have broken into corporate networks via unprotected IoT devices.

Data privacy and personal privacy are also important considerations. Inadequate security can lead to lost, stolen, or incorrectly used data, including private health and financial information. Connected devices and systems—along with data stored in the cloud—increase the number of vulnerability points. For instance, in 2017 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled nearly half a million pacemakers due to their vulnerability to hacking; a hacker, for example, could drain the battery or send shocks to the patient. Also that year, criminals broke into a casino, stealing a large amount of data, through an inadequately protected “smart” fish tank, whose Internet capabilities allowed its temperature, salinity, and food distribution to be controlled remotely but which also left the casino’s data system vulnerable to attack.

Another concern is the use of surveillance cameras to track the movements of people, for when video data is combined with other types of data generated from sensors, cameras, cellular records, computer logs, and other systems, it is possible to identify where a person has been or what they have done at any given moment. This information can potentially be used or abused by law enforcement, governments, businesses, and others.

Dangers also exist in the technology itself. Connected 3D printers, which fabricate common items, allow individuals to bypass laws and “print” illegal weapons and other objects, including counterfeit goods. 

How can IoT improve our lives?

The Internet of Things has a wide-ranging impact on human life and work. It allows machines to do more heavy lifting, take over tedious tasks and make life more healthy, productive, and comfortable. 

For example, connected devices could change your entire morning routine. When you hit the snooze button, your alarm clock would automatically get the coffee machine to turn on and open your window blinds. Your refrigerator would auto-detect finishing groceries and order them for home delivery.

What are the benefits of IoT for business?

Accelerate innovation

The Internet of Things gives businesses access to advanced analytics that uncover new opportunities. For example, businesses can create highly targeted advertising campaigns by collecting data on customer behavior.

Increase security

Continuous monitoring of digital and physical infrastructure can optimize performance, improve efficiency and reduce safety risks.

Scale differentiated solutions

IoT technologies can be deployed in a customer focused way to increase satisfaction. For example, trending products can be restocked promptly to avoid shortages.

Improved Efficiency and Productivity

• Automation: IoT devices can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up human resources for more strategic work.  
• Optimized Operations: Real-time data from IoT sensors allows businesses to optimize processes and resource allocation.  
• Predictive Maintenance: By monitoring equipment health, businesses can prevent breakdowns and reduce downtime.  

Cost Reduction

• Energy Efficiency: IoT devices can monitor energy consumption and identify areas for savings.  
• Supply Chain Optimization: IoT can streamline the supply chain, reducing costs and improving inventory management.  
• Asset Management: IoT enables better tracking and utilization of assets, leading to cost savings.  

Enhanced Decision Making

• Data-Driven Insights: IoT generates vast amounts of data that can be analyzed to uncover valuable insights.  
• Real-time Information: Access to real-time data empowers businesses to make timely and informed decisions.
• Predictive Analytics: IoT can help businesses forecast trends and anticipate customer needs.

Risk Management

• Safety and Security: IoT devices can be used to monitor safety conditions and detect potential threats.  
• Fraud Prevention: IoT can help identify fraudulent activities and protect business assets.  
• Disaster Recovery: IoT can facilitate faster recovery from disasters by providing real-time data on conditions.  

Examples of consumer and enterprise IoT applications

Common example of IoT applications include the following:

• Agriculture. IoT can benefit farmers by making their jobs easier. For example, sensors can collect data on rainfall, humidity, temperature and soil content and IoT can help automate farming techniques. Additionally,
• Construction. IoT can help monitor operations surrounding infrastructure. Sensors, for example, can monitor events or changes within structural buildings, bridges and other infrastructure that could potentially compromise safety.
• Home automation. A home automation business can use IoT to monitor and manipulate mechanical and electrical systems in a building. Homeowners can also remotely control and automate their home environment by using IoT devices.
• Urban consumption systems. IoT technologies can also be used to monitor and manage urban consumption such as traffic lights, parking meters, waste management systems and public transportation networks.
• Healthcare monitoring. IoT devices such as remote patient monitoring systems, smart medical devices and medication trackers let healthcare providers monitor patients’ health status, manage chronic conditions and provide timely interventions.
• Retail. IoT sensors and beacons in retail stores can track customer movement, analyze shopping patterns, manage inventory levels and personalize marketing messages. This enhances the shopping experience for customers and optimizes store operations.
• Transportation. IoT devices help the transportation industry by monitoring vehicle performance, optimizing routes and tracking shipments. For example, the fuel efficiency of connected cars can be monitored to reduce fuel costs and improve sustainability.
• Wearable devices. Wearable devices with sensors and software can collect and analyze user data, sending messages to other technologies about the users to make their lives easier and more comfortable.
• Energy management. IoT-enabled smart grids, smart meters and energy management systems let utility companies and consumers monitor and optimize energy usage, manage demand-response programs and integrate renewable energy sources more efficiently.

Challenges of the Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) has immense potential to revolutionize industries and our daily lives, but it also comes with a set of significant challenges. Here are some of the key hurdles:

Security and Privacy

• Vulnerabilities: IoT devices often have weak security measures, making them easy targets for hackers.
• Data Privacy: The vast amount of data collected by IoT devices raises concerns about privacy and data protection.
• Unauthorized Access: The risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information through IoT devices is a major threat.

Interoperability

• Standardization: Lack of common standards and protocols hinders seamless communication between different IoT devices and systems.
• Compatibility Issues: Different IoT devices and platforms often struggle to work together effectively.

Scalability

• Device Management: Managing a large number of IoT devices can be complex and resource-intensive.
• Data Handling: Processing and storing massive amounts of data generated by IoT devices is a challenge.

Connectivity

• Network Coverage: Ensuring reliable connectivity for IoT devices, especially in remote areas, can be difficult.
• Power Consumption: IoT devices often have limited battery life, requiring efficient power management and connectivity solutions.

Cost

• Hardware and Infrastructure: The initial investment in IoT devices, networks, and data analytics can be high.
• Maintenance and Updates: Ongoing costs for device maintenance, software updates, and security measures can be substantial.

Data Management and Analytics

• Data Volume: The sheer volume of data generated by IoT devices can be overwhelming.
• Data Quality: Ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and reliability is crucial but challenging.
• Data Analysis: Extracting valuable insights from IoT data requires advanced analytics capabilities.

Regulatory Compliance

• Complex Regulations: IoT devices often fall under multiple regulatory frameworks, making compliance difficult.
• Data Protection Laws: Adhering to data protection laws and regulations is essential but can be complex.

Threats of IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) brings numerous benefits, but it also presents significant security and privacy challenges. Here are some of the primary threats:

Security Threats

• Vulnerabilities: IoT devices often have weak security measures, making them easy targets for hackers.
• Data Breaches: Sensitive data collected by IoT devices can be stolen or misused.
• DDoS Attacks: IoT devices can be compromised and used to launch large-scale Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
• Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Malicious actors can intercept and modify data transmitted between IoT devices.
• Supply Chain Attacks: Malicious components or software can be introduced into the IoT supply chain.

Privacy Concerns

• Data Collection: The vast amount of data collected by IoT devices raises concerns about privacy infringement.
• Data Sharing: Sharing data with third parties can lead to unauthorized access and misuse.
• Surveillance: IoT devices can be used for surveillance purposes, raising ethical and privacy issues.

Other Threats

• Reliability and Availability: IoT systems can be susceptible to failures, leading to disruptions in services.
• Physical Security: IoT devices can be physically tampered with or stolen.
• Economic Impact: Security breaches and data loss can result in significant financial losses for businesses. S

Conclusion:

The Internet of Things (IoT) represents a transformative technological frontier with the potential to revolutionize industries and daily life. By connecting physical devices to the internet, IoT unlocks a vast array of possibilities for increased efficiency, productivity, and innovation.

However, the journey towards realizing the full potential of IoT is not without its challenges. Security, privacy, interoperability, scalability, and data management remain critical hurdles that must be addressed to ensure the widespread and sustainable adoption of IoT technologies.

Ultimately, the success of IoT will depend on a delicate balance between harnessing its benefits and mitigating its risks. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see significant progress in overcoming these challenges, leading to a future where IoT is seamlessly integrated into our lives, driving economic growth and improving quality of life.

In conclusion, the IoT is a powerful force with the potential to reshape our world. Its impact will be felt across various sectors, from healthcare and transportation to agriculture and manufacturing. As we move forward, it is imperative to approach IoT development and implementation with a focus on security, privacy, and ethical considerations to ensure a positive and sustainable future.

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