Internet of things

  • Everything you need to know about the Internet of Things

    The Internet of Things doesn't just refer to connected objects

    Indeed, these intelligent objects with connectivity capture, potentially process and then communicate the information collected. Object data is stored on dedicated infrastructures and then analyzed by algorithms which can decide to send commands back to objects.

    All of these devices (connected objects, M2M communications, big data, cloud, etc.) represent the Internet of Things or Internet of Things (IoT).

     

    Definition of the Internet of Things

    The world of IoT encompasses all the links in the production and use of billions of networked objects:

    • Design and manufacture of connected objects
    • Collection of data
    • Private or public storage servers
    • Analyse des données des objets
    • Transmission systems

    The first connected object dates from the early 1980s. A Coca-Cola distributor, connected to a nascent Internet, allowed students at a university in Pennsylvania (USA) to check the condition of the machine before going downstairs to get a can. .

    The term “Internet of Things” originated in 1999, first used by Kevin Ashton. The initial idea was to create a link between an RFID chip and the Internet in order to be able to identify, list and locate an object at any time.

    The development of technologies has made it possible to increase the performance of connectivity and exchange: connectivity at greater distances, diversity of sensors, evolution of data, etc.

     

    Connectivity technologies

    The purpose of a connected object is to be able to capture, process and transmit the data collected. Before launching your IoT project, it is essential to choose the most suitable network for the object and its use.

    The technologies fall into 6 categories, from the shortest distance to the longest.

    1.   RFID chip

    Integrated in a product, in a package or even subcutaneously on animals. The radio-identification chip is particularly used to identify and / or geolocate.

    1.   Bluetooth

    Very present to connect computer and electronic equipment between them. For example, printers, speakers, baby monitors or even watches.

    1.   WiFi

    Using radio waves, WiFi is widely used in home automation to regulate a thermostat, an alarm, a voice assistant, connected bulbs.

    1.   The LPWAN network

    This concerns smart meters and charging stations for electric vehicles.

    1.   Cellular networks

    Certain connected objects are connected by SIM card such as professional alarms, remote assistance units or photovoltaic panels.

    1.   Satellite

    Satellite is the latest technology used for connecting objects: telephone, television, naval and air radio, Internet.

    5G is both an evolution of cellular networks, with a significant increase in capacities (higher speeds and volumes, very low latency, etc.), but also a revolution in the deployment and use of resources (virtualization, slicing, etc.).

     5G should greatly accelerate the rise of IoT.

     

    IoT applications

    The Internet of Things is present in all sectors of activity in the professional world. IoT applications are as numerous as they are diverse, to improve internal business processes:

    • In the industrial sector: goods and inventory management, predictive maintenance, quality control, infrastructure security, energy management.
    • In the personal health and safety sector: mobile and fixed remote assistance, defibrillator, remote monitoring of chronically ill patients, devices and bracelets for seniors or lone workers.
    • In the urban environment: multiplication of electric charging stations, optimization of traffic lights, management of parking, public lighting, etc.
    • In the energy sector: energy optimization of professional buildings, public establishments and individual homes.
    • In the agricultural sector: inventory management, temperature sensors, connected weather stations, GPS units on tractors, etc.
    • At home, with home automation for comfort and security, etc.

    The increasing digitization - or digitization - of society makes it possible to provide new services to individuals, businesses and communities. Artificial intelligence is everywhere. The analysis of physical data from connected objects brings value and helps to optimize the user experience more and more.

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