IoT / The internet makes all things possible nowadays. From connecting people globally in a decentralized way at any time, to sharing experiences and moments through social networks and digital media that are only possible thanks to the existence of the internet.

In this sense, we could say that the internet is one of the most important inventions in human history, to the point that it is now an indispensable tool that moves the world digitally, from the healthcare sector to banks and financial markets.

This is how the internet has evolved to what we know today, creating new opportunities and applications that were previously only seen in science fiction documentaries. However, nowadays it is even possible to connect different physical devices and make them automatic thanks to the internet. This model is known as IoT or internet of things.

In this article, we will tell you about the implementation that this incredible technology can have to streamline and improve certain daily processes and activities automatically.

What is IoT?

In recent years, exploiting the benefits that the internet can bring has become a common practice for industries. From enhancing information management processes to generating new forms of communication that streamline customer service processes, this is how the internet of things (IoT) was born, which we can describe as a process of interconnecting physical elements to the internet.

In other words, the internet of things allows for the creation of connections between household objects such as light bulbs, televisions, and even healthcare resources like medical devices. All of this is possible thanks to data processing through wide-reaching wireless networks with minimal human intervention.

We can give an example of the internet of things through a thermostat. For instance, thanks to IoT, it is possible to connect your cell phone to your home's thermostat, allowing you to adjust the temperature from a distance. IoT is a communication process, based entirely on sending, receiving, and analyzing certain orders and commands to streamline daily tasks.

Internal functioning of IoT

The connection of household devices through the internet is not a relatively new concept, however, its functioning can be complex without knowledge of the process called M2M, which we can also describe as machine-to-machine or machine-to-machine communication, is a type of communication that basically encompasses the process of transmitting information from one machine to another.

However, IoT networks largely depend on specific needs for which their application will be carried out. These include:

-PAN networks: this refers to a group of short-range networks designed to connect devices that are in close proximity to each other. For example, Bluetooth is a common network used for PAN connections, and it is implemented for household devices such as sound systems, televisions, and smart watches.

-LAN networks: this type of network is connected in a tightly limited geographical area, such as an office or building. A clear example of this is wi-fi connection, which provides long-range, high-speed connectivity. This type of connection is usually used for security systems and automatic actions in smart cities.

• LPWAN networks: these are networks that are specifically designed for very large geographical areas and allow for much wider connectivity of low-energy devices for long periods of time. This type of network is famous for agricultural monitoring, as well as vehicle tracking solutions.

IoT-based networks contain a large proportion of functionalities, and communication between devices and the choice of the right network seems to depend entirely on the specific use of each network individually.

Applications of the Internet of Things (IoT)

The internet of things allows for remote monitoring actions, as well as carrying out automatic and controlled commands. This makes its application popular in different sectors and environments, among which we can highlight:

- Healthcare sector: IoT is a tool that can greatly improve tasks in this sector. With IoT, it is possible to perform continuous and remote monitoring actions on patients. Thanks to IoT interconnection devices, devices such as portable electrocardiograms, glucose meters, and blood pressure monitors can detect health complications early on. Likewise, thanks to the internet of things, it is possible to create intelligent supply management software, automatically managing available resources and tracking their position through the supply chain.

- Smart homes: this is one of the most famous applications for IoT. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to connect various devices in the home, such as light bulbs, appliances, security systems, among others. Thanks to this, everyday actions such as turning on the lights can be automatic with just the push of a button or a command.

- Manufacturing industry: IoT has a long list of applications within industrial environments, especially for improving operational efficiency and resource management. Through IoT, it is possible to monitor and collect real-time data on production, quality, and logistics that involve the entire supply chain.

- Transportation systems: thanks to IoT, it is possible to greatly improve the transportation sector, thanks to its wide-reaching connectivity networks that facilitate the implementation of tracking systems that generate the location of vehicles, greatly boosting traffic safety and management.

- Commerce: IoT can help businesses manage their inventory, as well as track products and personalize the shopping experiences of each customer.

There is no doubt that IoT is a powerful technological tool that promises to revolutionize the way certain tasks are carried out. Nowadays, many people already implement the internet of things in their homes, completely changing simple actions such as turning the lights on and off in a room. In an ever-changing and evolving environment like the technological world, IoT represents an innovative and modern solution with new opportunities to transform our lives and revolutionize various sectors.

At MiT Software, we understand the value of quality over the correct coding knowledge to ensure the execution of digital projects. With our team of developers and programmers, we bring your ideas to reality.