The Internet of Things (IoT), under the influence of several exclusive technologies, is on the verge of booming into the next major technological wave.
It’s potential to redefine our lives is simply unexplainable. For instance, heart patients continuously need to visit their cardiologist so they can record their heart rate and perform related tests. However, with IoT, these patients can quickly provide their physician with hourly updates even without needing to make a trip to the clinic. They can wear an IoT-connected heart monitor that allows their physician to assess the information periodically and suggest the right course of treatment.
For such to happen and for IoT to assume its position as a potent force, it needs support from various technological developments. What these technologies need to do primarily is not to necessarily support the IoT, but instead as they advance, they are subsequently going to massively boost IoT innovation as a whole.
Herein are five different technologies that are driving the development of IoT.
Cloud Computing
IoT is set to produce a significant data volume, and as such, you will need some considerable space to not only process but also store this data, and this is where Cloud computing comes into play.
Cloud computing is the only technology that boasts the potential to quickly and faultlessly process such a significant volume of data. For instance, where numerous smart devices transmit crucial health data to physicians from across the globe, enormous data volumes are produced. Unsurprisingly, only the cloud can process such masses of data effectively.
Several significant developments in innovation have rendered cloud computing among the most potent IoT drivers. Identity management platforms are one such solution to offer data security.
What’s more, the cloud is gradually more scalable and efficient. In efforts to leverage these benefits, there are numerous cloud-based platforms under development. This will ensure easier exchange of data between multiple platforms since IoT is not exclusively confined to desktops, laptops or even mobile devices.
Marketing Automation
The main proponents of a majority of the activities which are contributing to the rise of IoT as a dominant force are of course multinational tech giants who want to gain commercially.
IoT has the potential to offer a substantial volume of information on customers, such as their hobbies, preferences or even what devices they use. International companies can find such data more than valuable as it can help them customise and sell their products and services to fit their market. IoT can also effectively help such firms to generate customer-focused items.
Currently, software developers are working to produce marketing automation software which can automate marketing procedures such as customer segmentation, integration of customer data, as well as campaign management. Moreover, there is a massive investment going towards creating intelligent marketing automation systems which can utilise the vital information provided by IoT devices.
IoT is well-equipped to provide actionable and vital customer data needed by intelligent (marketing automation) applications. Both IoT and marketing automation can be defined as mutually dependent.
App Technology Boom
App technology is yet another critical component in the development of IoT solutions. The recent emergence of app innovation has drastically been scaling up the rate at which IoT is developing.
Generally, apps allow data exchange between various devices. In essence, they offer virtually everything that IoT offers. Apps have been vital for the development of IoT, and their relevance can best be captured through several examples including:
- Parking apps that can check all available parking spaces within a city.
- Noise monitoring apps that identify certain sound decibels in otherwise sensitive areas like hospitals and schools.
- Structural assessment apps, which can monitor the state of materials and vibrations in both buildings and bridges.
IPv6
IoT will facilitate for the interconnection of millions of devices. Undoubtedly, all these devices will need IP addresses. IPv4, which is currently the most popularly used internet protocol, cannot cope with the subsequent demand surge for IP addresses. Furthermore, IPv4 has particular concerns that can hinder the progress of IoT, as can other security threats. IPv4 is not the most secure internet protocol, and considering the volume of confidential data that will be shared through IoT, it can be a risky option.
But with IPv6, which is IPv4’s newer successor protocol, all these concerns are adequately addressed. Besides this, it also comes with multiple added benefits including the fact that to address a device, it offers four times more bits on the internet. With these extra bits, you can enjoy about 3.4×1038 address combinations. As such, it can accommodate virtually all space allotment requirements.
Furthermore, IPv6 enables direct connection between hosts over the internet although it depends on the firewall policies and security of an organisation. With IPv6, devices can remain connected via the same IP address notwithstanding whether it is roaming in another area. Finally, IPv6 comes with an optional feature known as IPSec for more secure connection between devices.
Sensors
Several factors make IoT outstanding, and one of such is inter-device interaction notwithstanding their technological affiliations. Sensors which are fitted in these devices allow them to interact with multiple devices smoothly and effortlessly.
Sensors are among the core components of IoT. For instance, to unlock your main door, the key’s sensor can open it, which instantly transmits a message for your lights to switch on and your thermostats to regulate the temperature in the house. All these activities happen simultaneously.
The science behind IoT sensor design is similar to how microprocessors work. They use the lithography procedure that ensures that various sensor copies are rolled out concurrently. However, IoT can only perform a particular task. You can subsequently pair a microprocessor and a typical IoT sensor and attach it to wireless radios to communicate.
Summary
Essentially, Internet of Things is still a relatively new concept and while various speculations and projections have emerged about how it will find use and how it will be further advanced, many bets have it that IoT might end up growing into an entirely different entity than the tech sector imagined or anticipated.
These distinct technologies that are driving IoT development may not only mean a dramatic surge in how many devices we stock in our homes in the near future, but they also might have the potential to push IoT to incredible heights.
Sophie is a marketing specialist at Security Gladiators. A writer by day and a reader by night, she is specialized in tech and cybersecurity.