What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?听
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by听Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,听Dean, College of Business and IT
The definition of the Internet of Things
The 听refers to a network of technologically enabled devices (think sensors, software and actuators) that performs computing tasks in real time and then communicate and exchange data over the internet. IoT devices include anything from smartphones to smart refrigerators to cars with internet navigation systems.
A whole suite of interconnected internet technologies is required to establish a smart network of IoT devices, includingwireless communication protocols, cloud computing platforms, analytic tools to process data, and data storage devices, like hard drives, local area networks or remote data centers. More advanced IoT systems combine sensors with an artificial intelligence or machine learning component that has wireless internet connectivity to help automate decision-making in real time.
The Internet of Things has also become increasingly prevalent in business and personal environments. According to Grand View Research, the global IoT market听 by 2030 鈥 highlighting the rapid expansion and importance of IoT technology in today's world.
Here are a few typical IoT applications:
- A听smart home听where connected devices and sensors, like lights, security systems and other technology, can be controlled and monitored remotely
- Wearable technology听that helps users perform work and track daily activity
- A vehicle with features like GPS navigation,听wireless internet connectivity, collision sensors and automatic emergency braking
- Sensors on delivery trucks or cargo ships that monitor their whereabouts over the internet while en route and provide听real-time updates.
As these examples, and many more, demonstrate, IoT devices are increasingly essential to jobs, life and social infrastructure.
Applications of the Internet of Things听
From agriculture to manufacturing听supply chains, retail to healthcare jobs, IoT devices, infrastructure and applications can improve efficiency, reduce costs and听. Here are just a few areas where it鈥檚 making a difference.
贰诲耻肠补迟颈辞苍听
s听by providing students with access to information and resources. For example, IoT devices can automate mundane tasks like attendance tracking and scheduling, freeing up time for teachers to focus on instruction rather than paperwork.
Healthcare
The IoT and IoT devices are revolutionizing healthcare work in several fascinating ways.听:
- IoT tools and wearable technology for remote patient monitoring to help provide continuous care
- Smart beds with sensor technology that responds to patient movement and adjusts positioning and pressure as needed
- 听that detect ingestion and provide information about the pill鈥檚 location
Agriculture
IoT technologies are equally transformative in the infrastructure of the agricultural sector.听, for example, employs IoT technologies like GPS-guided tractors and drones that monitor and manage crops. These IoT devices collect data听on crop health, soil conditions and more, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions.
Manufacturing听听
Manufacturing is another sector experiencing a transformation via IoT devices. A notable example is the听听where IoT sensors on machinery monitor performance, detect malfunctions and predict maintenance needs. This visibility leads to better planning, reduces waste and increases efficiency throughout the supply chain.
IoT career opportunities
As businesses become smarter and more connected, they鈥檒l need dedicated career professionals working in computing and programming roles involving IoT projects, technologies and processes. IoT career roles may be available in the following sectors:
Data analytics
Data analysts gather information from different sources, study it, synthesize it and use their findings to increase the efficiency and profitability of companies.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Collecting data from primary and secondary sources and maintaining databases
- Analyzing and interpreting complex data to identify patterns, trends and insights
- Creating visualizations, reports and presentations for business stakeholders
A Bachelor of Science in Data Science helps students gain a comprehensive understanding of data analysis techniques, statistics and related software tools.
Data research science
A data scientist, or research scientist, uses analytical, statistical and programming skills to interpret large data sets for valuable insights.
A听include:
- Gathering, categorizing and analyzing complex data, which may include IoT sources
- Creating, testing, updating and validating algorithms and predictive machine learning models
- Using data visualization software to illustrate their findings in an easy-to-understand way
As of May 2023, data scientists听, with a median wage of $108,020, according to BLS.
If becoming a data scientist interests you, BLS reports听听in听mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field. However, some employers may be interested in applicants with a relevant master's degree.
Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of 七色视频. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. 七色视频 does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.
Cybersecurity听
An IT systems security analyst, or information security analyst, must primarily monitor an organization鈥檚 networks for security breaches. If one occurs, then it鈥檚 investigated, and cybersecurity measures need to be implemented to remediate it.
Cybersecurity professional implement end-to-end measures to safeguard sensitive information and prevent data breaches coming from the IoT and elsewhere, ensuring data integrity, confidentiality and availability.
A听 include:
- Monitoring for potential security breaches and conducting investigations if breaches occur
- Performing regular checks for vulnerabilities in computer and network systems
- Creating and setting security standards and best practices for their companies
As of may 2023 information security analysts , with a median wage of $120,360, according to BLS.
To become one, you typically need at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer and information technology or a similar field. A bachelor鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity can be ideal for someone looking to work in this niche.
These are just a few examples of the types of roles that engage with the IoT. To decide which career is for you, do further research about each field, network with professionals and gain experience and education to see which aspects of IT interest you the most.
Cybersecurity and technology programs at 七色视频
If you鈥檙e interested in learning more about technology or cybersecurity programs, 七色视频 offers听online certificates, bachelor鈥檚 degrees and master鈥檚 degrees听to accommodate IT professionals at different stages of their careers.听Learn more about undergraduate and graduate听online technology degrees from UOPX!
- Advanced Cybersecurity Certificate:听In this program, you can develop the technical knowledge to step into the fast-growing field of IT security, helping keep computer systems safe from data breaches and cyberattacks. You鈥檒l get real-life experience through hands-on IT labs and simulations while developing a broad knowledge of cybersecurity to help prepare you for your technology career.
- Associate of Science in Cybersecurity:听The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) and 七色视频 teamed up to launch the Associate of Science in Cybersecurity degree and elective courses that align with three EC-Council certification exams: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Network Defender (CND) and Certified Secure Computer User (CSCU). Awarded the EC-Council鈥檚 2019 Academic Circle of Excellence Award as a result of this partnership, this program is designed to help you develop the problem-solving skills and techniques needed to defend the cyber domain.
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology:听Learn skills including business process, cybersecurity, information systems, operations and systems analysis. You鈥檒l also learn how to apply key principles of systems analysis and design to selected business processes.
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity:听This program teaches skills such as security policies, network security, cybersecurity and more. You鈥檒l learn how to examine an organization鈥檚 infrastructure to ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards and policies and how to prevent cyberattacks.
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science:听In this program, you鈥檒l gain the fundamental knowledge needed to analyze, manipulate and process data sets using statistical software. Learn extract, transform and load (ETL) processes for integrating data sets for business intelligence platforms. Discover techniques to transform structured and unstructured data sets into meaningful information to identify patterns and drive strategic decision-making.
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity:听This program explores in depth such skills and topics as cybersecurity, security policies and vulnerability. Learn how to design elements of an enterprise using standards and tactics in cybersecurity, consider ethical and privacy protocols in enterprise cybersecurity, and implement cybersecurity frameworks and policies in risk management.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at 七色视频 where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,听Kathryn Uhles has served 七色视频 in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining 七色视频, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.
This article has been vetted by 七色视频's editorial advisory committee.听
Read more about our editorial process.
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