IoT (Internet of Things)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology and communication infrastructure that enables physical objects to exchange data with each other and with other systems via the internet. This system allows devices to collect, process, and remotely manage environmental data. The concept of IoT was first introduced in 1999 by British researcher Kevin Ashton. Its primary goal is to integrate everyday objects into digital networks to make them more efficient, interactive, and autonomous.

Definition and Scope

The Internet of Things is formed by the integration of embedded software, sensor technology, internet protocols, and wireless communication systems. Thanks to this technology, physical devices can collect, process, analyze, and make autonomous decisions in real time without human intervention. An IoT system typically consists of sensors, processors, network connectivity, and cloud systems. IoT is not merely a technological innovation but also the foundational element of a broad transformation spanning from manufacturing and healthcare to agriculture and transportation, and from home automation to urban infrastructure.

History

The concept of IoT emerged alongside the development of RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technologies. Kevin Ashton introduced this concept in 1999 during his work at the MIT Auto-ID Center, envisioning physical objects being digitally monitored and controlled over the internet. This initial vision expanded over time with advancements in sensor technology, wireless networks, microcontrollers, and cloud systems, eventually taking its current form.

Components

IoT systems generally consist of five fundamental components:

1. Sensors: Physical devices that detect environmental data such as temperature, humidity, light, gas, and motion, providing input to the system.
2. Control Units: Process data and manage decision-making mechanisms through microcontrollers or microprocessors. Examples: Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi.
3. Actuators: Produce physical actions based on system decisions, such as rotating a motor or turning on a light.
4. Connectivity Module: Enables data transmission between system components using communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRa, and Ethernet.
5. Cloud Services and Interfaces: Platforms where collected data is processed and presented to users. Data is visualized through graphs for interpretation and can be controlled remotely.

Architecture

The architecture of IoT systems is typically classified into three layers:

• Hardware Layer: Sensors, control units, and connectivity hardware.
• Communication Layer: The network level where data transmission protocols operate.
• Application Layer: The user interface and software control domain.

Communication Models

Different data communication structures are used in IoT systems:

• Client-Server: Users request data, and the server responds.
• Publish-Subscribe: Devices send data to interested users via an intermediary.
• Push-Pull: Data transmission and reception occur at different times.
• Peer-to-Peer Communication: Enables real-time, bidirectional, and continuous data exchange.

Application Areas

IoT systems are used in numerous fields, including:

• Smart Home Systems: Lighting, heating and cooling, and security can be controlled remotely.
• Smart Agriculture: Soil moisture, temperature, and weather sensors enhance agricultural productivity.
• Healthcare Services: Devices such as heart rate monitors and blood pressure meters enable continuous monitoring.
• Industrial IoT (IIoT): Data exchange between production machines enables maintenance, quality control, and automation.
• Transportation and Logistics: Vehicle tracking, traffic control, and fuel optimization are achieved.
• Education and Public Services: Smart boards, building automation, and student tracking also fall within the scope of IoT.

Example Devices and Applications

• SmartThings (Samsung): Central control unit for smart home systems.
• iBeat Heart Watch: A watch that monitors health data in real time.
• HAPIfork: A smart fork that tracks eating habits.
• MiCoach Smart Ball: Measures shot quality for athletes.
• Dropcam: Security camera systems.
• Solar Curtain: Smart curtain systems powered by solar energy.

Security

Due to their widespread deployment, IoT systems have become prime targets for cyberattacks. IoT devices can pose risks due to weak encryption, default factory passwords, and outdated software. The Mirai Botnet incident in 2016 is historically notable for compromising millions of IoT devices with malicious software to launch a massive cyberattack. Security measures such as encryption, authentication, regular updates, and access control must be implemented in IoT systems. Additionally, the metadata generated by devices—such as location, device model, and usage times—poses significant risks to personal privacy.

The Internet of Things transforms both individual life and industrial processes by enabling seamless communication and data sharing between devices in an increasingly digital world. However, to ensure that the advantages offered by this technology are utilized safely and sustainably, appropriate security measures must be adopted and ethical principles must be observed.