The Internet of Things movement (IoT) was started as soon as there were computers and the internet. IoT connects the internet to a variety of devices that are not normally internet enabled. This allows them to do a variety of additional tasks or processes that were previously unimaginable.
Billions of devices are being connected to the internet. Light bulbs that can be controlled by mobile phones. Airplanes that can send continual diagnostic information while in flight. Implanted medical devices that send alerts to monitoring stations. With the growing use of AI there will be few parts of our lives that are not connected to the internet.
IoT for Consumers and Businesses
Consumers now experience connected devices in all parts of their home, and life. Waking up in the morning can activate a host of devices enabled because of the internet. A setting in your home’s mainframe can activate alarm clocks, turn on lights and activate your coffee machine. It can even open the blinds and let the sunshine in or turn on your shower.
Businesses across all verticals can experience benefits from the IoT movement. IoT has enabled remote monitoring of devices to enable the reading of sensors in hazardous locations from safe locations. Machine to Machine communication is possible due to the IoT movement. Machines are able to communicate with one another allowing autonomous actions.
An estimated 23 billion devices around the world are connected to the internet currently with and an estimated 75 billion devices to be connected to the internet by 2025 (Statista). With more and more devices being connected, infrastructure needs to be flexible and scalable to meet the demand. Both the devices and the networks need to remain secure to provide protection and security to all threats.
Scalability
Advances in wireless infrastructure have enabled the current 23 billion devices to connect to connect to the internet. The roll out of 5G wireless will enable more devices to be connected and with faster connects than currently available. Broadband wireless in areas not reachable by fiber or cell service are able to match the demand for connectivity. Broadband wireless is also a very scalable option for future growth. The growth in popularity of smart cities will enable more devices to be connected as fiber and wireless infrastructure increases.
Security
IoT devices capture large amounts of data from users or sensors, and it is streamed over your wireless connection. Enhanced security to protect the sensitive information of users becomes paramount. As processing power increases and chips decrease in size IoT devices will be enabled to run additional programs. Private networks, both wireless and hard lined, enable higher broadband speeds and capacity. Network security, through programs using AI, can monitor and be essential in protecting the safe usage of IoT devices.
Conclusion
IoT enables billions of devices to be connected to the internet and allows advancements for consumers and business. The infrastructure that supports these devices must remain flexible, scalable, and secure to meet future demands. Devices continue to evolve, expand, and further develop. Enhanced security measures for AI and IoT enabled devices are required to protect the sensitive data created by end users. The security advances must be developed at the same furious pace as the products it protects.