Internet of Things: Evolution in Recent History

The Internet of Things is essentially an ecosystem of interconnected intelligent devices. Such connections generate data that can be of commercial interest or useful to government agencies. Today, we will look at the definition of this concept, as well as the evolution and recent history of the Internet of Things.

What Does the Term "Internet of Things" (IoT) Mean?

When we talk about the Internet of Things (IoT), we refer to an ecosystem of devices that are interconnected and capable of exchanging data via both wired and wireless networks. Types of devices include smartphones, computers, household appliances, and any other devices with similar characteristics.

These devices constantly generate data during use and in relation to how they are used. Simultaneously, this data is transmitted to various servers, both on cloud servers and servers owned by companies, for processing and decision-making or for developing new products.

After creating an IoT ecosystem, new devices can be added as needed.

An IoT ecosystem can be created on a small scale, such as within a specific company's local network, or on larger scales, such as in closed communities, university campuses, or cities. As a result, connected devices become an ubiquitous part of our lives.

The development of the Internet of Things has enabled a better understanding of various business processes. For operation, the IoT ecosystem can be divided into three distinct layers:

• Physical layer. Consists of devices, sensors, and controllers. They form the IoT environment. Any intelligent device that can be connected to a wired or wireless network can be part of the Internet of Things.
• Information layer. Refers to the storage and processing of data generated by devices. Here the networks and communication protocols used for connection are defined.
• Application layer. This refers to a set of integrated services provided from the Internet of Things to the cloud to obtain relevant and useful information from the collected data.

Evolution and History of the Internet of Things

The first concepts of creating a network of intelligent devices were discussed in 1982, when a modified Coca-Cola vending machine became the first household appliance connected to the Internet. In the 1990s, several scientific articles were published, and in 1999 the term 'Internet of Things' became popular.

From this point on, the concept of the Internet of Things and its development were tied to the integration of sensors and connections into all types of devices where they could be placed. Essentially, it was about embedding 'intelligence' into various types of electronic devices.

The term 'IoT' was popularized by Kevin Ashton, a British professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In 2000, LG announced plans to create a refrigerator that could connect to the Internet. With the dawn of the new millennium, the term 'Internet of Things' and its evolution were closely tied to academic research.

Between 2008 and 2010, the number of devices connected to the Internet exceeded the human population. At that time, it was estimated that there were about 12.5 million intelligent devices worldwide, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and various household appliances. This figure was almost double the Earth's population.

Since 2010, the development of the Internet of Things has grown exponentially, and growth is expected to continue in the coming years. Thus, 5G became the latest step in IoT connectivity technologies—a wireless connection significantly faster than its predecessors.

The Interrelationship between IoT and Big Data: The Importance of Data Analysis

As we have seen, the Internet of Things has experienced great and rapid development in the last decade. This would not have been possible without the technological advancement of three different disciplines related to data analysis: cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence.

An example is the increased availability of cost-effective data storage systems thanks to cloud computing, which allows companies to store large volumes of data generated by IoT systems.

Interconnectivity requires significant improvement of wireless network infrastructures.

Furthermore, Big Data analysis makes it easier for companies to organize and understand it. Finally, artificial intelligence and related technologies have made it possible to generate knowledge and develop products that contribute to company growth.

The evolution and growth of the Internet of Things continue. There are many ways companies can generate revenue and improve their investments and processes. In this context, the interoperability and interconnectivity provided by Industry 4.0 define the future of operations and production processes.