Internet of Things (IoT) and its use at home

According to the prediction of computer experts, more than 30 billion different devices will be connected to the Internet by the end of next year. The network of interconnected physical devices, known as the Internet of Things (IoT), represents a new, rapidly evolving field in the world of computer technology that has a major impact on almost every branch. The Internet of Things has a consumer and business use, it is used in infrastructure management and in specialized fields. Let's focus on the possibilities of the application of the Internet of Things in our households.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things is a term for a global network infrastructure that includes both physical and virtual devices. Each device on the network has its own identity, is clearly identifiable and is able to work independently in the Internet information network. The individual connected devices can communicate each other and exchange data.

To make it simpler, the Internet of Things includes any device that we connect to the Internet via a wired or wireless Wi-Fi network. We have detailed information about it, we can usually control it from the distance and send commands without the need for a physical presence. If you use, for example, a TV with an Internet connection, the temperature sensors with the possibility of distant regulation or a Wi-Fi printer at home, then you also successfully use the Internet of Things..

However, the Internet of Things can form networks of unprecedented extent. For example, South Korea's Songdo business district has decided to implement the Internet of Things into a large urban infrastructure that will allow for better overall management and control of individual systems. There are also sensor networks connected to the Internet of Things, which continuously monitor the state of greenly and enable its remote maintenance. But we don't have to travel all the way to South Korea to imagine the extent of IoT use. For example, visitors and residents of the Spanish city of Santander can download a mobile application that is connected to more than 10,000 sensors. For example, they'll find out the current city parking options in a second.

The idea of the Internet of Things has existed for many years

The Internet of Things revolution has been going on in a massive way since about 2016, but the idea of connecting devices to the Internet has been existed around for much longer. The first attempts were made in the early 80's. The first device connected to the Internet is considered to be a Coca Cola drinks dispenser, which was modified at Carnegie Mellon University. The machine was equipped with several sensors and allowed the transmission of information about the current state of the drinks and the internal temperature.

The author of the term Internet of Things is Kevin Ashton - co-founder of the Auto-ID Center at MIT, who spoke about the Internet of Things as early as 1999. At the turn of the century, the possibilities of connecting physical devices to the Internet began to be discussed in more detail, and large IT companies, including Microsoft, proposed various ways of solutions. Today, IoT is becoming an independent industry that is growing rapidly and is resolving complex issues, including security and privacy.

How to use the Internet of Things in households

The concurrent trends clearly confirm that the IoT devices for the use of a consumer are gaining still bigger market share. We can use the Internet of Things in different ways at home. We can connect our car, entertainment electronics, smart home devices for home automatisation to the Internet in a matter of moments, as well as health monitors, home appliances and other devices.

Smart home automation devices

Smart home systems are popular by the systems of intelligent households, for remote monitoring and control, which can be part of a larger infrastructure as well as operate independently. Systems with a main router are used for complex household management, to which sensors and sub-devices are subsequently connected.

We can connect windows, lights, heating control, window and door closing control and the like to the smart home system. Voice controllers and home assistants are also in expansion, making it easy and intuitive to operate individual devices. Amazon Echo and Google Home are currently the most common voice assistants for home use. They are connected to the IoT network and allow the control of other connected devices, thanks to the Internet connection they can then answer the questions and search the Internet.

IoT as a supporting technology in the area of the health

Devices with the possibility of connecting to the Internet and to the home network of the Internet of Things are increasingly used in the field of assistance to disabled and otherwise endangered persons. It is possible to connect, for example, implants or compensatory aids to the Internet, which warn of possible risks and, if necessary, call for help. IoT is also successfully used in home diagnostics, so today we commonly encounter pressure gauges, personal scales or sleep monitors wirelessly connected to the Internet.

Interest in IoT home appliances is still growing

Interest in connecting individual devices to the Internet is a phenomenon that significantly affects the development of home appliances.Devices and equipments with the possibility of connecting to the Internet are considered to be modern and innovative in the eyes of consumers, which is why the manufacturers strive to integrate Wi-Fi modules into the common devices. Today you can buy a refrigerator, coffee maker, robotic vacuum cleaner, washing machine, oven or fridge with the possibility of connecting to your home network. With the help of a mobile phone, you can plan the washing time, check whether you have forgotten to switch off the oven or find out the status of the coffee and, if necessary, order it immediately. All in a few clicks from anywhere.

IoT security is an increasingly pressing issue

Many IT security experts point out that IoT devices currently symbolise a relatively high security risk. While the security of home networks, computers and mobile phones is at a good level in terms of both software and hardware, this is not always the case with devices with an Internet connection.

Just a badly secured device connected to a well-protected network can be a potential gateway for a potential attacker. The problem is mainly that today we normally connect almost any device to the Internet, including the cheapest and from no-name manufacturers. Such devices cannot be expected to take special regard to the safety during their development and to have updates available. You should also keep safety in mind when you are using home appliances, smart systems and other IoT devices.