Introduction to Internet of Things (IoT)
What is IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical objects—“things”—embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet.
Brief History
- Early 1980s-90s: The concept of connected devices emerged
- 1999: Term “Internet of Things” coined by Kevin Ashton while working at Procter & Gamble
- 2008-2009: The number of connected devices exceeded the world’s population, marking the official “birth” of IoT
- Present: Billions of connected devices with applications across industries and everyday life
Why IoT Matters
IoT creates opportunities for:
- Better integration of the physical and digital worlds
- Improved data collection and analysis
- Enhanced automation and efficiency
- New services and business models
- Improved quality of life
IoT Ecosystem Overview
The IoT ecosystem consists of:
- Devices/Things: Physical objects with embedded sensors and connectivity
- Communication Networks: Methods for data transmission (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular, etc.)
- Data Processing Systems: Edge and cloud computing resources
- Applications: Software that analyses data and enables actions
- Users: People and organizations that benefit from IoT systems
The subsequent topics will explore each of these components in detail, starting with the fundamental characteristics and design principles of IoT systems.