Introduction to Microservice Architecture Using SpringBoot - Part 1

 

Internet of  Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects—“things”—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. These devices range from ordinary household objects to sophisticated industrial tools. With more than 7 billion connected IoT devices today, experts are expecting this number to grow to 10 billion by 2020 and 22 billion by 2025.

Some examples of "Things" that can be connected to the internet include

1. Smart home devices :  such as thermostats, lighting systems, and security cameras

2. Wearable devices :  such as fitness trackers and smartwatches

3. Connected cars :  which can communicate with other vehicles and with smart infrastructure 

4. Industrial equipment : such as sensors that monitor production processes or machinery performance

5. Medical devices : such as implantable sensors or remote monitoring systems for patients.

What technologies are used in loT - technology behind Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interconnected digital devices provided with unique identifiers and the ability to transmit and share data over the network without the need of human-to-human or human-to- computer interaction. 

Short range loT network solutions:

• Bluetooth: As a well-established short-range connectivity technology, Bluetooth is considered to be the key solution particularly for the future of the wearable electronics market such as wireless headphones or geolocation sensors, especially given its widespread integration with smartphones.

• RFID: Being among the first loT applications ever implemented, Radio-frequency identification (RFID) offers positioning solutions for loT applications, especially in supply chain management and logistics, which require the ability of determining the object position inside buildings.

Medium range solutions:

• Wi-Fi: Developed based on IEEE 802.11, it remains the most widespread and generally known wireless communications protocol. Its broad usage across the lot world is mainly limited by higher-than-average power consumption resulting from the need of retaining high signal strength and fast data transfer for better connectivity and reliability.

• ZIGBEE: This popular wireless mesh networking standard finds its most frequent applications in traffic management systems, household electronics, and machine industry. Built on top of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, Zigbee supports low data exchange rates, low power operation, security, and reliability.

• THREAD: Designed specifically for smart home products, Thread employs IPv6 connectivity to enable connected devices to communicate between one another, access services in the cloud, or interact with the user via Thread mobile applications. The critics of Thread have pointed out that given the market saturation, yet another wireless communication protocol leads to further fragmentation within the loT technology stack.

Long Range Wide Area Networks (WAN) solutions:

• NB-IOT: A product of existing 3GPP technologies, Narrowband loT is a brand-new radio technology standard that ensures extremely low power consumption (10 years of battery power operation) and provides connectivity with signal strength approx. 23 dB lower than in the case of 2G.

• LTE- Cat M1: LTE-Cat M1 is a low power wide area (LPWA) connectivity standard that connects loT and M2M devices with medium data rate requirements. It supports longer battery lifecycles and offers enhanced in building range as compared to cellular technologies such as 2G, 3G, or LTE-Cat 1.

• LoRaWAN: LoRaWAN is a low-power Long Range Wide-Area Networking protocol optimized for low-power consumption and supporting large networks with millions of devices. Aiming at wide-area network (WAN) applications, LoRaWAN is designed to furnish low-power

WANs with features required to support low- cost, mobile and secure bi-directional communication within loT, M2M, smart city, and industrial applications.

Who is Making the Internet of Things?

The development and implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) involve various stakeholders, including companies, organizations, and individuals. Here are some key players involved in making the Internet of Things:

Technology Companies: Many technology giants are actively involved in shaping the IoT landscape. Companies like Google (with Google Nest), Amazon (with Amazon Echo and Alexa), Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Intel, and Huawei have invested significantly in IoT research, development, and infrastructure.

Telecommunications Companies: Telecommunication providers play a crucial role in enabling connectivity for IoT devices. Companies such as Verizon, AT&T, Vodafone, and China Mobile are actively involved in developing IoT networks and providing IoT-specific services.

Device Manufacturers: Numerous manufacturers produce IoT devices for various applications, including consumer electronics, industrial equipment, healthcare devices, and smart home appliances. Examples of prominent device manufacturers include Samsung, LG, Bosch, General Electric (GE), Siemens, Philips, and Honeywell.

Industrial Automation Companies: IoT is integral to the concept of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing. Companies like Siemens, ABB, Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, and General Electric (GE) are at the forefront of incorporating IoT technologies into industrial processes.

Startups: The IoT ecosystem is vibrant with numerous startups developing innovative IoT solutions. These startups often focus on niche applications within the IoT space and bring fresh ideas and disruptive technologies to the market.

Standards Organizations: Standardization bodies play a vital role in establishing common protocols and frameworks for IoT devices to ensure interoperability and security. Organizations like the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) contribute to shaping IoT standards.

Research Institutions: Academic institutions and research organizations conduct extensive research on IoT technologies and contribute to advancements in the field. They work on developing new protocols, security measures, and addressing the challenges associated with IoT deployment.

What are enchanted objects in IoT explain?

Enchanted objects in IoT refer to everyday objects that have been infused with technology and intelligence to enhance their capabilities and interactions with users. These objects go beyond their traditional functions and become "enchanted" by integrating sensors, actuators, connectivity, and intelligence, allowing them to perceive their environment, communicate, and respond to user needs. The concept of enchanted objects aims to create more engaging and seamless experiences in our daily lives by leveraging IoT technologies. Here are a few key aspects of enchanted objects:

Embedded Technology: Enchanted objects incorporate embedded technology, such as sensors, microcontrollers, and connectivity modules, enabling them to sense and interact with their surroundings. These technologies enable objects to collect data, process information, and communicate with other devices or the Internet.

Contextual Awareness: Enchanted objects are designed to have contextual awareness, meaning they can perceive and understand the environment in which they operate. Through sensors and data processing, they can gather information about their surroundings, including user interactions, environmental conditions, or other relevant data points.

Intelligent Interactions: Enchanted objects are capable of intelligent interactions, allowing them to adapt and respond to user needs and preferences. They can analyze data collected from sensors, apply algorithms or machine learning techniques, and provide personalized and contextually relevant responses. This may include adjusting settings, providing notifications, or automating certain actions.

Enhanced Functionality: Enchanted objects expand the traditional functions of everyday objects by integrating additional features and capabilities. For example, a traditional mirror can be transformed into a smart mirror that displays personalized information, weather updates, or fitness metrics. This added functionality enhances the user experience and provides valuable insights or assistance.

Seamless Integration: Enchanted objects are designed to seamlessly integrate into the user's life and environment. They aim to provide a natural and intuitive user experience, leveraging familiar object forms and interfaces. The technology is often hidden or abstracted, allowing users to interact with the object in a way that feels natural, without requiring explicit knowledge of the underlying technology.

Personalization and Customization: Enchanted objects can be personalized and customized to meet individual user preferences and needs. They can learn from user interactions and adapt their behavior over time, providing a more tailored and personalized experience. Users can also customize settings, preferences, or functionalities based on their specific requirements.

What are the key technological components of the Internet of Things, and how do they work together to enable connectivity and data sharing between devices?

The key technological components of the Internet of Things (IoT) can be broadly categorized into four areas:

1. Devices and sensors: These are the physical objects that are connected to the internet and used to collect data. Examples include smart home devices, wearables, and industrial sensors.

2. Connectivity: This refers to the networks that enable devices to communicate with each other and with the internet. This includes wired and wireless networks such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks.

3. Data processing and analytics: The massive amounts of data generated by loT devices need to be processed and analyzed in real time. This involves technologies such as cloud computing, edge computing, and machine learning.

4. Applications and services: The data generated by loT devices can be used to create new applications and services, such as predictive maintenance, personalized health monitoring, and smart city management.