Technology is always changing. It’s always exciting to see how these changes can impact our lives for the better. The internet of things (IoT) is one of the most innovative, exciting recent changes that has been made with the internet in recent years. There are billions of devices all around the globe that are in this IoT network. But even with its prevalence, it can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know about this major innovation and the impact it’s having on our world.
How IoT Works
As you would assume based on the name, IoT is connected to the internet. Because of this, if you want IoT to work well, you need a fantastic internet service provider that you can count on for a fast, reliable internet connection. IoT has three main abilities:
- Object control
- Object adjustment
- Object monitoring
IoT uses the connection to turn ordinarily offline objects into something that can be controlled through the power of the internet. Internet is the link that allows different devices to “talk” to each other. For the everyday consumer, this makes tasks easier and more efficient. It’s also helpful for businesses and can ultimately save them both time and money.
One thing that’s so beneficial about IoT is that it’s highly customizable. Homeowners and employees are able to adjust IoT to their needs. It may seem like something from a science fiction movie, but it’s actually very real.
The possibilities of what can become an IoT device are virtually endless! Something as small as a pill or as large as an airplane can be transformed into a useful IoT device. No human is necessary for devices to communicate with each other. It merges physical objects with the digital. Even though we’ve already seen so many advancements with IoT, it will only continue to have innovations.
Where You’ll Find IoT
IoT used to be seen as a luxury, but it’s becoming more and more common. Millions of homes (known as “smart homes'') are now equipped with IoT technologies that make everyday life easier. Public infrastructure and workplaces are relying more on automation that’s powered by IoT. Cities that are outfitted with IoT capabilities are known as “smart cities.” IoT reduces energy costs and waste, paving the way to a better future for all of us!
IoT in Business
IoT can give businesses in a variety of industries a major competitive edge. It’s especially common in retail, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Look at the manufacturing sector for example. IoT is useful for monitoring old machinery and ensuring that it’s operating at peak performance. If a piece of machinery has an issue, IoT can predict it so the equipment can be repaired before there’s a dangerous failure. This allows you to keep work on schedule, avoid costly delays, and benefit from valuable data-based insights.
IoT can also help employees communicate more efficiently with their employers. There’s a big misconception that people who use IoT are just lazy, but that’s not true. IoT gives users many abilities that they may not otherwise have. For example, if you get stuck in traffic on your way to work and you have an important meeting coming up, IoT can help you out by sending this info to your coworkers. Not only does this keep everyone informed, but it also prevents you from having to dangerously send a text while you’re in the car.
IoT at Home
For a lot of people, if they don’t use IoT at work, their experience with IoT is with virtual assistants such as the Amazon Echo or Google Home. Based on simple voice commands, these devices can control the lights in your homes and other devices. Basically, anything that has the ability to be turned on and off can become part of the Internet of things.
IoT at home goes beyond virtual assistants. IoT systems monitor data, control devices, and transfer data over the internet. You can schedule tasks to happen not just at a certain time, but when a specific event happens. Take your home garden for instance. IoT sensors can determine how much your sprinkler systems may need to water your plants based on predicted weather patterns. In your kitchen, IoT can even make your water kettle shut off when it reaches a certain temperature and send a notification to your phone that your water is hot!
Another everyday example of IoT is video doorbells. Many homes have these devices which allow homeowners to get video calls if someone is at their home when they aren’t there. These IoT smart home devices can even go a step further and allow the homeowner to unlock their front door to let someone into their home and lock it again after they’ve left. The visitor doesn’t even have to ring the doorbell. Because of the motion-activated sensors, you can know when someone is at your house which gives you heightened security.
These are just a few ways that IoT can work. You don’t have to be by your sprinkler or any item you’re working with for the IoT action to happen. Usually, these actions happen all on their own, by using a mobile app, or through voice commands.
The Possibilities of the Internet of Things with High-Speed Internet
As IoT rises in popularity, the need for high-speed internet becomes even more important to support this need. Unlimited internet allows your IoT devices to be in continuous, reliable communication with one another. 4G LTE internet already does a good job with this, but 5G is superior.
If you’re interested in IoT, make sure you have the most powerful internet available that you can count on 24/7. That’s exactly what Nomad Internet provides for all our customers regardless of how they’re choosing to use the internet. Because we offer customers low latency and the greatest high-speed internet out there, meeting your IoT needs is easy! If you want to learn more about Nomad Internet, get in touch with us today!