What is the Internet of Things?

Since the term was coined in 1999, the Internet of Things (IoT) has changed from a mere vision to a tangible reality. This can be attributed to the widespread use of the Internet Protocol (IP), the rise of ubiquitous computing, the continued advancement of data analysis, and other development drivers. By 2020, it is estimated that 20.4 billion devices will be connected to the Internet of Things. However, despite the continued expansion of the Internet of Things, it is still a vague concept to some extent, and even if it provides obvious benefits, it is often mentioned in the abstract.

The Internet of Things can be described as an extension of the Internet and other networks connected to different sensors and devices (or “things”), and can even provide a higher degree of computing and analysis capabilities for simple objects such as light bulbs, locks, and vents.

Interoperability is one of the key aspects of the Internet of Things, contributing to its growing popularity. Connected or “smart” devices—often referred to as “things” on the Internet of Things—can collect data from their environment and share data with other devices and networks. Through the analysis and processing of data, the device can perform its functions with little or no human interaction.

Because of the continuous increase in the number of connected devices, the Internet of Things continues its development path, adding different layers to the data that has been shared and processed, and generating complex algorithms, thereby increasing the level of automation. Because it can be connected to a variety of “things”, the Internet of Things provides diversified applications for individual users and the entire industry.

How does the IoT work?

The “things” that make up the Internet of Things can be anything from wearable fitness trackers to self-driving cars. No matter what functions they provide to users, these devices must have the following components in order to function properly as part of their respective IoT systems.

• Sensors. First, collect data from the environment so that the IoT system can start processing. It is collected by sensors in devices that can measure observable events or changes in the environment. The type of data the device measures depends on its function: in the case of a fitness tracker, it can be a person’s pulse, in the case of an autonomous car, it can be the distance to the nearest object.

• Connect and identify. Data must be transferred from the device to the rest of the IoT system, whether to a computer or another device. In order for this communication to have any meaning, the device must have a unique and identifiable presence on the Internet, through its own IP address.

• Actuators. Most IoT devices can perform their main functions without physically interacting with the user. IoT devices should be able to take action based on data from sensors and follow-up feedback from the network. For example, even if the user is miles away, the smart light bulb can be turned on according to the user's command. Similarly, valves in smart factories can automatically open or close based on data collected by their sensors along the production line. Although these devices are usually built with automation in mind, they must have other technologies to make the IoT system work properly. The links that complete how the IoT system processes data are the following components.

• IoT gateway. The IoT gateway acts as a bridge for different device data to reach the cloud. It also helps to convert the different protocols of various IoT devices into a standard protocol and filter out unnecessary data collected by the device.

• The cloud. The cloud is a place where all data from different devices is collected, and it is also a place where software can access this data for processing. Since most of the data processing occurs in the cloud, the burden on a single device is reduced.

• User Interface. The user interface communicates the data collected by the device to the user and allows the user to issue the necessary commands to be executed by the device. The Internet Architecture Board issued a guidance document outlining the four communication channels used by the Internet of Things. The four models also show how the connectivity of IoT devices can help expand the value of each device and improve the quality of the overall user experience:

  • Device-to-device. This model represents how two or more devices directly connect and communicate with each other. Communication between devices is usually achieved through protocols such as Bluetooth, Z-Wave, and Zigbee. This model often appears in wearable devices and home automation devices. In these devices, small data packets are transmitted from one device to another, just like a door lock to a light bulb.

  • Device-to-Cloud. Many IoT devices connect to the cloud, frequently using wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi. After connecting to the cloud, users and related applications can access the device so that they can execute commands remotely and push necessary updates to the device software. Through this connection, the device can also collect user data to improve its service provider.

  • Device-to-Gateway. Before connecting to the cloud, IoT devices can communicate with intermediate gateway devices. The gateway can convert the protocol and add an extra layer of security to the entire IoT system. For example, in the case of a smart home, all smart devices can be connected to a hub (gateway). Although the connection protocol is different, the hub helps different devices to work together.

  • Back-end data sharing. As an extension of the device-to-cloud model, this model allows users to access and analyse data collections from different smart devices. For example, a company can use this model to access information from all devices working in a company building, which are organized together in the cloud. This model also helps reduce data portability issues.

What are the applications of the IoT?

Just as the Internet affects a wide range of users, so does the Internet of Things. Depending on the scale of the connection and the number of devices involved, the Internet of Things can have important and specific applications, whether for individual users or entire cities. Common applications of the Internet of Things include the following.

• People and home. People directly use IoT devices through wearable technology, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, as well as devices that help receive and collect information in real-time. Applied to the home, IoT devices can be used to realize more interconnected, more energy-efficient, and more convenient home operations. The homeowner can also remotely access and control different aspects of the networked home through a computer or handheld smart device.

• Cars. Sensors in moving vehicles can collect real-time data about the vehicle and its surrounding environment. Self-driving cars use different sensors in combination with advanced control systems to evaluate their environment and drive autonomously.

• Factories. With the application of the Internet of Things in factories, manufacturers can automate repetitive tasks and access information in any part of the entire manufacturing process. The information provided by the sensors on the factory's machinery helps design methods that make the entire production line more efficient and less prone to accidents.

• Enterprises. On a larger scale, with the adoption of IoT technology, companies can be more cost-effective, efficient and productive. For example, office buildings can install sensors to monitor elevator traffic or overall energy consumption. Different industries naturally have different IoT applications: in the healthcare industry, IoT devices can be used to obtain real-time and accurate updates on patient conditions, while in the retail industry, IoT devices can be used to help shoppers locate products and monitor inventory.

• Cities. The combined use of different IoT devices can cover cities and public areas. IoT devices can collect data from and influence their environment to help manage various aspects of urban governance, such as traffic control, resource management, and public safety.

What are the current issues with the IoT?

The Internet of Things is a relatively new and developing technology. Therefore, it will be affected by some major issues, especially when more devices are expected to come online in the next few years. The following are a few aspects where the Internet of Things continues to face some problems.

Standards and Regulations

While broadening the scope of applications, more and more connected devices make the standardization and supervision of the Internet of Things a complicated and annoying thing. Standardization and regulatory issues can range from technical issues to legal issues. For example, due to the lack of IoT standards, fragmentation is a technical issue faced by users. Different smart devices may use various wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and 5G, which hinder communication within the IoT system. On the other hand, the lack of regulation highlights existing Internet-related issues and adds another layer of complexity to these issues. Determining responsibility is an example: if there are deficiencies and violations related to the use of IoT devices, the lack of supervision will make it difficult to determine the responsibility. Determining responsibility is an example: if there are deficiencies and violations related to the use of IoT devices, the lack of supervision will make it difficult to determine the responsibility. Standards and regulations affect the overall quality of services provided by IoT technology, and therefore involve all IoT stakeholders, whether they are individual users, equipment manufacturers, or organizations that integrate technology into their processes.

Privacy

Privacy awareness grows with the increase in the diversity of personal information shared on the Internet. The Internet of Things further complicates this problem because it expands the types of data recorded and shared via the Internet. Since the Internet of Things works better by obtaining as detailed a view of the environment as possible, it makes a trade-off between user privacy and service quality. It is difficult to determine the point at which data collection should be restricted or completely stopped due to user privacy issues, especially under the automated nature of most IoT systems.

Security

When it comes to the processing of data and information, there are always security issues. The Internet of Things increases its security challenges by accessing various personal information and tight integration with individual and organizational activities. These characteristics of the Internet of Things make this technology a viable target for cybercriminals. In addition, any damage, attack, and vulnerability of a single IoT device or system will weaken the overall security of the related network.

Other security threats related to IoT technology include:

• The homogeneity of mass-produced smart devices means the proliferation of the same possible vulnerabilities.

• As the need for human intervention is reduced, the automation of IoT systems makes it more difficult to detect vulnerabilities and vulnerabilities.

• The environment in which IoT devices are deployed makes these devices vulnerable to unforeseen physical threats, and attackers may directly tamper with the devices.

• The interconnectivity of the Internet of Things system makes every part of the system a means of data leakage and network attacks, which may spread to other affected networks.

How can the use of the IoT be secured?

Different security practices may apply to different types of IoT devices and systems. However, maintaining the relevance of the Internet of Things while protecting it is the shared responsibility of its major players (from IoT manufacturers to end-users).

Manufacturers can integrate powerful security features from the design stage, and service providers can ensure security by pushing updates and patches when necessary. Users such as organizations that use smart devices in the enterprise can continuously monitor all devices, rather than relying entirely on IoT automation. Appropriate network security solutions can add multiple layers of defence to all stakeholders to resist unforeseen risks.

The security responsibility of everyone involved in the Internet of Things does not exist in a vacuum. Looking at the security of the Internet of Things collaboratively can protect things such as personal and company assets and has the extended effect of making the connected world more protected.