The internet now provides the world with a level of communication that may have never been seen before on the planet. Our new-found interconnectedness has created a social lifestyle on the foundation of the Internet of Things. The internet of things (IoT) defines the nature of communication based on the internet and the subsequent benefits of said communication. Let us help you better understand the internet of things.

Connectivity

The internet of things is based on our new level of connectedness. Broadband internet and advances in cellphone technology have allowed users and devices to connect in unforeseen ways. Prior to wide access to broadband communication was limited to wired connections. Limits of connection were limited by the length of wire. Broadband internet allows for larger amounts of data to travel longer distances. As broadband connect with portable devices, communication between devices and users has become instantaneous. Now more devices can communicate with less human interaction. A user’s phone can run automation that include devices like, the garage door, the door lock, light fixtures, window treatment, and countless other devices through the connectivity from one router.

Communication

Communication differs from connectivity slightly. Connectivity refers to how devices are connected, communication refers to how the connections are used. The internet allows two computers to connect in different areas, but user communicate via email. In terms of outdated communication, a long distant phone call would have to be connected via a phone operator and came at great expense. Likewise mailing a letter may take several weeks to get to the recipient. Advances in networking devices allow more devices to communicate at increasingly faster speeds. The internet has made it possible to communicate vast distances in virtually no time.

Data

A tremendous benefit of the increases in communication is data. Data refers to the information that devices and user create. Data can be actual files that user store in the cloud and even the number files those users share with one another. Many users would find it surprising how much data they create in a day. A common example of data created in a normal day could include:

GPS coordinates

Amount of time in a commute

Points of sale (fuel, food, entertainment)

Communication (social media, emails, phone calls, instant messages)

Time spent at particular location

Analytics

Companies are better understanding that data is the true commodity of the IoT. As users provide increasing amounts of data, analyzing the data has become a monolith in the internet of things. Data is analyses allows companies to target marketing and to better understand how devices are being used to make improvements. Many cities are even using analytics to help create Smart Cities. Data analytic can help to improve traffic patterns and even help to create more energy efficient power grids.

The internet of things is bringing value to users across a wide spectrum and is getting better every day. It is an exciting time to see how communication will evolve in the future.