What is IoT: A Connected World Explained

What is IoT (Internet of Things) all about? Actually, technology became mainstream decades ago with the rise of smart homes and devices. Although it might not be as prominently discussed today as AI, its importance remains vital because many modern applications rely heavily on this technology. De facto, current IoT software development services have moved beyond basic features like simple dashboards and remote monitoring to more complex and unique applications for IoT products.

To handle these complex scenarios, you must understand what an IoT device is and how such systems are structured. Intrigued? You should be. Awareness of I-o-T and its technical aspects is key, especially if you aim to develop software for it.

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What is IoT: A Look at Its Roots

What is IoT, or the Internet of Things? While smart home devices might be the first to come to mind, the Internet of Things stretches far beyond our living rooms and boasts a surprisingly long history. While the term itself was born in 1999, courtesy of British technologist Kevin Ashton, the concept had its first practical application much earlier.

The first known example of IoT in action dates back to 1982 at Carnegie Mellon University, where scientists connected a Coca-Cola vending machine to a computer network. It could report on stock levels and drink temperatures that demonstrated the potential of connected devices a decade before the World Wide Web became public. Even today, the implementation of such a smart vending machine seems impressive.

Forty years later, Internet of Things is everywhere. Think about it – cars, kettles, coffee machines, fridges, washing machines, smartphones, and even bread makers often have IoT elements. If there’s a companion app for a product, chances are it’s part of the IoT world. 

So, what is IoT technology in simple terms? It relies on three essential components to function:

• Sensors: There are various types of sensors that can detect sound, vibration, load, motion, water, air quality, and even infrared radiation.
• Networks: They link these sensors to the Internet through either wired or wireless connections to ensure seamless communication.
• Software: It collects, stores, and analyzes the data from the sensors. Additionally, software solutions control and manage the devices within the IoT ecosystem. 

More about how to control IoT devices can be found here.

The Brief Explanation of IoT Devices

Well, what is an IoT device? Broadly speaking, it’s any physical item that doesn’t have traditional computing power but typically has built-in sensors to collect data. These items also have actuators that allow them to take physical actions based on instructions from other devices, software programs, or even people.

Additionally, IoT devices link up to an gateway to share the sensor data they gather. This gateway serves as a central hub, collecting data from all the IoT devices. Sometimes, the data gets sent to an edge device first for local analysis. By analyzing data locally, the amount of data sent to the cloud is reduced, saving bandwidth. The communication protocols and connectivity options these devices use vary based on the specific IoT applications.

Moreover, some systems have built-in AI and machine learning, so they can independently make decisions and tackle complex tasks without needing to be online or suffer from cloud-related delays.

Currently, IoT devices are widely used in various fields: 

• Human Health: Wearable technology monitors health and fitness, manages chronic diseases, and provides real-time vital sign tracking through IoT healthcare devices. For example, ingestible sensors can transmit health data directly inside the body.
• Residential Use: Smart interactive devices like voice assistants, robotic vacuums, and advanced security systems make life at home more convenient and safer. Respectively, IoT applications help to control lights, thermostats, and security cameras with our voices or a tap on our phones.
• Retail Spaces: In retail, I-o-T enables efficient inventory management, self-checkout, and personalized promotions to boost service efficiency and customer experience.
• Corporate Offices: Smart office solutions include energy management systems to cut costs and security systems to ensure safety. These interconnected technologies streamline operations and increase productivity.
• Industrial Environments: Manufacturing plants, hospitals, and farms use I-o-T to improve operational efficiency and optimize equipment utilization. For instance, sensors built-in factories can prevent equipment failures and reduce downtime.
• Specialized Industries: Mining, construction, and oil and gas sectors use IoT for predictive maintenance and safety monitoring. Smart helmets, for example, can continuously monitor workers’ health and safety in hazardous conditions.
• Transportation: Internet of Things in vehicles supports condition-based maintenance, usage-based insurance, and advanced pre-sales analytics. The technology also powers autonomous cars, ships, airplanes, and trains.
• Urban Development: Smart cities utilize IoT for adaptive traffic management, smart meters, environmental monitoring, and efficient resource management. These systems decrease traffic congestion, save energy, and make city living more pleasurable.
• Outdoor Applications: In logistics and transportation, such facilitates real-time routing for delivery vehicles, connected navigation for autonomous systems, and precise shipment tracking.

IoT Connectivity Technologies in Use

What is IoT connectivity? IoT technology is a quite complex system that comprises multiple layers of architecture and a network of web-enabled devices. These devices rely on different IoT connectivity technologies, standards, and protocols, each with unique strengths suitable for various uses. 

When it comes to I-o-T, a few key standards are particularly important:

• Data Distribution Service (DDS): Created by the Object Management Group, DDS is a standard for real-time, scalable, high-performance machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, especially useful in industrial IoT.
• IPv6 over Low-Power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN): This standard, developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), allows low-power radios to connect to the Internet. It’s used in technologies like 804.15.4, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Z-Wave, supporting applications in home automation, industrial monitoring, and agriculture.
• Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS): An enhancement of HTTP, provides secure communication over a computer network. This protocol is essential for protecting data during transmission, making it highly suitable for IoT applications that require secure data exchange, particularly when interacting with cloud services. 
• OPC Unified Architecture: OPC UA is a robust protocol designed for machine-to-machine communication in industrial automation settings. It ensures that data is exchanged securely and reliably, which is critical for maintaining the integrity and functionality of industrial IoT systems.

IoT standards typically employ specific protocols for device communication that dictate how data is transmitted and received. The most widely recognized are:

• Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP): Designed by the IETF, CoAP allows low-power, compute-constrained devices to operate efficiently in IoT environments.
• Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP): A protocol for business messaging, AMQP provides a platform-agnostic way to send and receive messages. It ensures interoperability between different systems and is often used in financial services and enterprise messaging.
• Long-Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN): This protocol is designed for wide-area networks, supporting large-scale deployments like smart cities with millions of low-power devices.
• Zigbee: An IEEE 802.15.4-based specification, Zigbee is a low-cost, low-power wireless mesh network standard. It is used in a variety of applications such as home automation, smart energy, and medical data collection.
• MQ Telemetry Transport (MQTT) Lightweight and efficient, MQTT is perfect for applications involving control and remote monitoring, especially for devices with minimal resources.
• Bluetooth Smart. Next up is Bluetooth Smart, previously known as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). This isn’t a single protocol but a suite of them, and it doesn’t assign IP addresses to devices. Although it’s a newer technology, it’s found in nearly every connected consumer product that needs to communicate directly with a smartphone or other personal computing device. It offers high data throughput with minimal power usage, making it an essential connectivity option for most markets.

Various frameworks support the development and management of I-o-T applications: 

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) IoT: A cloud computing platform that allows smart devices to connect and interact securely with the AWS cloud and other devices.
• Microsoft Azure IoT Suite: A robust set of tools that helps users connect with their IoT devices, analyze data in multiple dimensions, transform it, and visualize it for better business decisions. 
• Arm Mbed I-o-T Platform: An open-source solution for IoT development on Arm microcontrollers that offers a connected, scalable, and secure environment, complete with a wide array of tools and services.

Security Considerations

The IoT ecosystem operates in a highly hostile cyber environment. Ensuring robust security should be the primary concern before selecting a communication standard. Here are some important ones:

• TLS/SSL (Transport Layer Security/Secure Sockets Layer): Encrypts communication between devices and servers.
• IEEE 802.1X: Port-based Network Access Control (NAC) for wired networks.
• WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access): Security protocols for Wi-Fi networks.

How Does IoT Work?

While the components of IoT systems can differ based on the application’s size and purpose, most share common features like data collection mechanisms and sensors. A sensor captures real-world data and converts it into information other devices can interpret.

Getting a handle on it will be actually pretty straightforward when broken down into its main parts. Any IoT system functions through five main steps:

Data Gathering

How does IoT work? Devices which are equipped with sensors measure and collect data on temperature, humidity, motion, light, and other conditions. For instance, a smart thermostat collects temperature data to keep your home space comfortable. This constant stream of data is the ground of any IoT system.

Data Processing

After collection, garnered data needs to be processed. That is where IoT devices get to use powerful processors and advanced algorithms to turn raw data flow into useful information. Often, the data must be sent to centralized systems or cloud platforms for more complex analysis. How does IoT work under the hood? Our blog’s IoT architecture guide has all the insights you need.

Data Exchange

For such devices to be effective, they need to share the data they collect. This happens through such widespread communication methods as WiFi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks. The best option for usage depends on the unique requirements of the concrete IoT application, particularly the range and data transfer speed needed.

Data Storage and Management

All the data generated by IoT devices needs to be stored securely and managed efficiently. This is usually done through cloud storage solutions or on-site databases to ensure that the data remains accessible and secure. For a thorough overview of one of the leading cloud services, be sure to check out the AWS IoT core guide.

Data Utilization

Finally, the processed data is put to use. For example, a smart home system can adjust lighting and heating based on your daily activity, or a factory can predict equipment failures before they happen, which saves time and money. 

As noted above, data processing and analytics often happen in data centers or the cloud, but that’s not always feasible. For critical devices like industrial shutoffs, the time it takes to send data, process it, analyze it, and get instructions back can be too slow. That’s where edge computing steps in. With smart edge devices, data gets aggregated, analyzed, and responded to locally, which reduces delays. These devices also connect upstream to send data for further processing and storage. 

The Major Industry Applications of IoT

The Internet of Things goes beyond smart home gadgets and touches every industry because it makes operations much more efficient and responsive. From healthcare to transportation, I-o-T brings practical benefits that improve daily life and business processes.

IoT in Healthcare

What is IoT’s potential in healthcare? There’s a real sense of optimism around IoT in healthcare, and for good reason. IoT development lays the groundwork for:

• Smart Healthcare Systems Using IoT, these systems connect devices to monitor patients in real-time, manage chronic illnesses, and offer personalized treatment plans. For example, I-o-T wearables can monitor vital signs and alert doctors to any issues immediately, which leads to quick medical intervention. 
• Remote Monitoring: this technology also allows for remote monitoring of patients, which makes healthcare more accessible and efficient. Wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers send real-time data to doctors, which facilitates health surveillance from afar. Get the full scoop in our article about IoT impact in healthcare.
• Enhanced Patient Care: For example, smart insulin pens and continuous glucose monitors help diabetes patients manage their condition more effectively. With accurate data from these devices, treatment plans can be adjusted on the fly.
• Operational Efficiency: benefits go beyond patient care; it also boosts the operational efficiency of healthcare facilities. Smart sensors track equipment usage and anticipate maintenance needs, which minimizes downtime and ensures critical devices remain functional. This results in improved resource management and significant cost savings for hospitals and clinics.

But it’s not all smooth sailing, though. While IoT in healthcare undoubtedly offers many benefits for this sphere, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Issues like data security, device interoperability, and the need for a robust infrastructure can make integration very tricky. We’ve experienced firsthand the hard work it takes to overcome these obstacles and detailed them in our article on the challenges of IoT in healthcare.

IoT in Agriculture

What is IoT in agricultural settings? IoT-enabled solutions help farmers increase productivity and manage resources better. Here is an outlook:

• Smart Farming Solutions: With IoT in agriculture, innovative farming methods are now possible. Sensors in the fields monitor soil conditions, which offer valuable data to help farmers decide on irrigation and fertilization. This improves crop yields and conserves resources.
• Livestock Monitoring: IoT devices are also used to monitor livestock health and activity. With wearable sensors, the location, movements, and vital signs of animals are easily tracked. This allows farmers to detect illnesses early and ensures their livestock remain healthy, which, respectively, reduces losses and improves farm productivity.
• Automated Equipment: Another significant application of IoT in agriculture is automated equipment. Tractors and other machinery equipped with I-o-T devices can handle tasks like planting, watering, and harvesting with minimal human intervention. This automation enhances efficiency and cuts down labor costs.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Farmers use data from such devices to make much more informed decisions. For example, weather sensors give precise forecasts, helping farmers schedule their activities. Similarly, data analytics can predict crop diseases and pest infestations, which enables proactive measures to protect crops.

IoT in Transportation and Traffic Management

I-o-T makes transportation systems smarter and more efficient, and also improves safety and reduces congestion. So, what is IoT and how does IoT work in the transportation field? Let’s look.

• Smart Traffic Control Systems: IoT sensors at key points like intersections and roadways gather live data about traffic conditions and accidents. This helps to adjust signal timings, cut down on wait times, and improve overall traffic movement. To see this technology in action, check out the article IoT in traffic management.
• Real-Time Monitoring and Management: With I-o-T devices, transportation systems can be monitored in real-time. GPS-equipped vehicles and smart sensors supply their locations, speeds, and route data. This information helps traffic management centers respond quickly to incidents, deploy emergency services more effectively, and keep traffic running smoothly.
• Predictive Maintenance: Sensors on vehicles and infrastructure monitor the condition of roads, bridges, and tunnels. They can predict when maintenance is needed, preventing breakdowns and reducing downtime. This lowers costs and guarantees safer travel for everyone.
• Public Transportation: Internet of Things also enhances public transportation systems. Smart ticketing solutions, real-time tracking of buses and trains, and personalized travel information make commuting more convenient and efficient. Thereafter travelers receive delay notifications and find the quickest paths to their destinations.
• Traffic Decongestion: Many solutions can even reduce traffic congestion. Connected cars talk to each other and traffic systems to find the best routes, avoid bottlenecks, and improve flow. This cuts travel time, fuel use, and emissions.
• Enhanced Safety: Safety in transportation is a major priority, and IoT boosts it in many ways. Collision detection, alerts about hazardous conditions, and automated emergency responses are some of the technologies that make roads safer for everyone.

IoT in the Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry stands to gain significantly from the integration of this technology. By focusing on efficiency and safety, IoT brings to this critical sector many transformative benefits. Curious about how IoT works in this field? Let’s dive deeper into what is IoT in oil and gas. 

• Enhanced Efficiency: IoT devices keep an eye on equipment and infrastructure in real time, providing valuable data that helps optimize performance and predict maintenance needs. For example, sensors can detect when machines operate inefficiently and alert maintenance teams before a breakdown occurs, saving time and costs. 
• Proactive Safety: Sensors located in vital spots can detect potential dangers, like gas leaks or equipment faults, and promptly alert operators. This swift reaction helps prevent accidents and protect workers. Real-time monitoring allows you to mitigate risks, such as shutting down equipment or evacuating areas to avoid harm. The constant flow of data helps in identifying potential dangers early, making it possible to address issues before they escalate.
• Resource Management: Efficient resource management is probably one of the best benefits of IoT in this industry. By tracking supply levels and usage rates, this technology helps companies manage resources more effectively, which reduces waste and ensures smooth operations. This technology greatly supports sustainable practices and enhances overall operational efficiency.

IoT in the Workplace

What is IoT`s impact on the workplace? By connecting all existing devices and systems, IoT helps streamline operations, reduce manual tasks, and ensure a much safer environment for employees. Here’s what this technology can bring:

• Boosted Productivity: IoT devices help automate tasks and provide real-time data, making operations run smoother. For example, sensors on equipment can alert you when maintenance is needed, which helps prevent downtime and keep everything running efficiently. IoT in workplace helps everyone work more effectively. 
• Greater Safety: IoT significantly boosts workplace safety. Wearable devices track worker health, detect potential hazards, and alert staff to dangers. Smart systems monitor environmental factors like air quality and temperature, ensuring a safe workspace.
• Optimized Space Utilization: Internet of Things helps businesses manage office space more effectively. Sensors track room usage and occupancy, which allows better layout optimization. This turns workspaces into a much more comfortable and productive environment.

IoT in Fleet Management

What is IoT in fleet management and telematics? In fact, this technology helps companies run their operations more smoothly and efficiently.

• Better Operations: With Internet of Things, fleet managers can track vehicles in real-time, monitor routes, check fuel use, and observe driver behavior. This detailed oversight helps cut costs and maintain stable operations. Got questions? Check out the IoT fleet management overview.
• Smarter Logistics: The Internet of Things offers insights into logistics, tracking shipments, and predicting delays. Sensors keep an eye on the condition of goods, ensuring they arrive safely and on time. This proactive approach, as always, helps businesses stay on schedule and keeps customers happy.
• Maintenance Made Easy: IoT enables predictive maintenance for fleet vehicles, making it easier than ever to keep them in top condition. Sensors detect potential issues early before it turns into a costly breakdown. This keeps vehicles in top shape and extends their lifespan.
• Safety First: I-o-T enhances safety by monitoring driver behavior and vehicle conditions. Alerts for risky driving and real-time feedback promote safer driving habits, reducing accident risks. With I-o-T, you can have peace of mind knowing that both your drivers and vehicles are being monitored for safety.

IoT Software Development: Short Overview

What is IoT development in a practical sense? In our IoT overview, we detail the main pillars that make it all possible.

IoT Software Development Services

Custom software solutions are key to making the most of I-o-T. Generic software usually doesn’t satisfy the unique demands of various industries. Custom software, however, is designed to fit each business’s specific requirements for smooth integration and peak performance.

For example, in healthcare, custom IoT software can track patient data in real-time, giving doctors immediate access to critical information. In agriculture, specialized software can monitor soil conditions and weather, helping farmers make informed decisions. These examples show why customized software is so important in leveraging I-o-T technology. For more information on custom solutions, click on IoT Software Development Services.

IoT App Development Essentials

So, we come to the most important section, which explains what IoT development is and how to create effective Internet of Things apps. In our overview we will outline key considerations and best practices which ensure that the apps function well and provide real value to users.

1. The app should address real users’ problems and offer practical solutions. Whether it’s monitoring health metrics, optimizing energy use in smart homes, or tracking inventory in a warehouse, the app must be designed with the end-user in mind.

2. In this process, security remains a top priority, given the sensitive nature of the data that IoT devices often handle. So, you must ensure robust security measures protect user data and build trust.

3. A successful IoT app must be user-friendly. Users should find the interface intuitive and straightforward to navigate and access the app’s features. This involves clear layouts, simple instructions, and responsive controls.

4. IoT apps must handle a growing number of devices and data streams. Designing for scalability from the start ensures the app can expand as needed. Compatibility with various devices and platforms is also crucial, allowing seamless integration into the user’s existing Internet of Things ecosystem.

5. Proper data management matters. Your app needs to process, analyze, and display data in a clear and understandable manner. Imagine being able to see all the important data at a glance, presented in a way that makes sense. 

To ensure complete success, follow these best practices from our experts:

• Conduct rigorous testing throughout development to identify and fix issues early.
• Provide regular updates after launch to keep the app functional and secure, adapting to new challenges and user feedback.
• Collaborate with experienced developers who understand Internet of Things technology and possess industry knowledge.
• Use open-source tools and frameworks to speed up development and cut costs.
• Keep the app lightweight, using minimal power and bandwidth to boost performance.

Using Node.js for IoT Development

What is IoT capability with Node.js? Let’s take a look at why it is a top choice.

1. Real-time Data Handling: Node.js excels at managing real-time data, which is crucial for IoT devices that need to communicate and exchange information constantly.
2. Lightweight and Efficient: With a non-blocking, event-driven design, Node.js remains lightweight and efficient, making it suitable for high-performance applications with low resource demands.
3. Extensive Community and Ecosystem: Node.js boasts a large community and a robust ecosystem filled with libraries and tools and allows developers to use premade modules, which speeds up the development process.
4. Cross-platform Compatibility: Since Node.js operates across multiple platforms, it guarantees that your IoT applications will run seamlessly on various devices and operating systems.
5. Effortless Integration with Internet of Things Protocols: Node.js integrates effortlessly with a range of Internet of Things protocols like MQTT and CoAP, ensuring smooth communication between devices.
6. Scalability: Node.js’s architecture allows for easy scaling of applications, which is essential for IoT projects that may grow in complexity and number of connected devices over time.
7. Efficient Data Processing: Node.js handles data processing efficiently, making it suitable for Internet of Things applications that need to process large volumes of data quickly and reliably.
8. Strong Support for APIs: Nodejs IoT has excellent support for building and managing APIs, which are crucial for connecting Internet of Things devices and enabling communication between them.

Azure IoT vs. AWS 

Given each platform’s robust features, selecting between Azure Internet of Things and AWS I-o-T can feel overwhelming. For instance, Azure Internet of Things shines with its deep integration into Microsoft’s suite of products and offers a familiar environment for those already in the Microsoft ecosystem. On the other hand, AWS Internet of Things provides unparalleled flexibility and a vast global infrastructure, which makes it a strong contender for businesses that seek highly customizable solutions.

Security features, analytics capabilities, user-friendliness, and cost structures differ between the two, each with its own set of benefits and trade-offs. Are you curious about which platform offers the best security measures or which one provides more powerful analytics tools? Do you need a user-friendly interface or comprehensive documentation? 

For a more detailed comparison that dives into these aspects and so on, check out the full analysis on Azure IoT vs AWS IoT. 

Our IoT Case Studies

To back up our expertise with real examples, we will share two of our successful Internet of Things case studies.

Case 1: Web Platform Redesign for a Fortune 500 Company

Our client, a Canadian R&D company, developed a social robot designed to be a 24/7 companion. They came to us to revamp their web app, which was part of the robot’s content management system. The old platform was outdated and frustrating for users.

We overhauled the existing platform to manage the robot’s content and fix the flaws of the previous design. With improved UX and UI, the new front end is much more intuitive for users to navigate and manage the content.

Also, we integrated it with the Remote Device Management Platform for better synchronization, moved to a new database for improved performance and security, and added a 3D preview feature so content creators could see their work in action.

Case 2: Developing a Remote Sensor Platform for Global Leaders in Monitoring

Our client, a company from Norway, developed a modern system that uses hardware sensor data and software algorithms to notify users of issues such as water leaks in industrial and residential areas. Their sensors track humidity and temperature, enabling real-time responses to prevent damage.

Although Sensor Innovation had a working product, it lacked an intuitive user interface and efficient operation functionality. Our goal was to revamp the UI and add new functionalities, including data display on a virtual building blueprint.

We assembled a multidisciplinary team to redesign the platform’s dashboard and make sensor management much more user-friendly. The upgraded platform now features a streamlined UI and improved performance. A weather timeline reduced false alarms, and virtual building maps optimized sensor coverage. We also optimized the site for mobile devices, ensuring it adapts to screen size changes and allows easy editing and the addition of new sensors.

What is IoT: Final Thoughts

The Internet of Things is a perspective thing. To give you a sense of its impact, IDC predicts that investments in the Internet of Things ecosystem are expected to surpass $1 trillion in 2026. And if that doesn’t impress you, Statista estimates the number of IoT devices will skyrocket to 29 billion by 2030. That’s enough for everyone on the planet to own about four connected gadgets!

We could assume Internet of Things technology is much more than a convenience; it truly transforms industries. Whether in healthcare or smart agriculture, these technologies offer significant value to businesses that want to improve efficiency and increase profitability.

But here’s the nuance: all these amazing advancements need top-notch Internet of Things software to work seamlessly. That’s where we come in with our 10+ years of software development expertise. From initial concept to deployment and support, our IoT experts are here to guide you every step of the way. 

No matter if you aim to upgrade your smart home, optimize factory operations, or boost healthcare services, our IoT development services can help you reach your objectives. Contact us to start!