THE BIRTH OF THE INTERNET OF THINGS
IoT, or the Internet of Things, can be said to have been born in 1999, when technology pioneer Kevin Ashton coined the term in a presentation at the MIT Auto-ID Center. However, the origins of IoT technology date back to the 1980s, when researchers began exploring the idea of connecting devices to the internet.
In 1982, the first Internet-connected Coca-Cola machine was developed. In 1990, John Romkey created a toaster that could be turned on or off remotely. And in 1999, LG announced plans to develop a refrigerator that could be connected to the Internet.
However, it was from the 2000s onwards that technology and internet infrastructures enabled the wider deployment of the IoT. In 2003, the first smartphone, the Nokia 9000 Communicator, was launched. In 2007, Apple launched the iPhone, which popularised the use of smartphones. And in 2010, the 4G network was launched, providing increased speed and capacity for IoT connections.
Today, IoT technology is booming. According to Statista, it is estimated that there will be 415 billion connected IoT devices worldwide by 2024. This would represent an increase of more than 30% from 2023.
FACTORS THAT ENHANCE THEIR USE
1. Lowering the cost of IoT devices
Cost of electronic components: Electronic components, such as chips and sensors, are becoming cheaper and cheaper as technology advances.
Standardisation of components and protocols: Standardisation of IoT components and protocols makes it easier and cheaper for manufacturers to produce IoT devices.
Increased scale of production: As demand for IoT devices increases, manufacturers can produce them on a larger scale, which reduces the cost per unit.
2. Improved connectivity
The evolution of mobile networks: Mobile networks, such as 4G and 5G, are providing faster, more reliable and longer-range connectivity for IoT devices.
The development of new connectivity technologies: New connectivity technologies, such as NB-IoT and LoRaWAN, are designed specifically for IoT devices and offer better energy efficiency and wider coverage.
Standardisation of connectivity protocols: Some, such as MQTT and CoAP, are making it easier to connect IoT devices to different networks and systems.
3. Increasing demand for IoT applications
- The potential benefits of IoT applications: IoT applications have the potential to improve efficiency, productivity, security and sustainability across a wide range of sectors.
- The decreasing cost of IoT devices: The decreasing cost of IoT devices is making IoT applications more affordable for a wider range of users.
- Improved connectivity of IoT devices: Improved connectivity of IoT devices is making it easier and more reliable to connect IoT devices to the internet and other devices.
6G AROUND THE CORNER
It may sound like a joke, but it is not. Although it will take much longer to see it in Europe, South Korea has a commercial 6G network planned for 2028, in 4 years.
And this will undoubtedly change, enhance and optimise our connections and their usability:
- Data rate: 5G πΈ10 Gbps in ideal conditions6G πΉ Speed expected to reach 100 Gbps , x10 over 5G.
- Latency: 5G πΈ1 millisecond in ideal conditions6G πΉ Latency of 0.1 milliseconds in ideal conditions is expected. Fast response will be improved at this point, such as online gaming or autonomous driving.
- Energy efficiency:
5G πΈSuperior 6G πΉ Higher energy efficiency based on higher frequency bands , AI , ML and new network architectures such as mesh. Also capacity will be much higher with 6G based on previous efficiencies.
These enhancements will enable 6G to drive the development of new technologies and applications, such as virtual and augmented reality, autonomous vehicles, remote surgeries, education with more seamless immersive experiences, or online entertainment with higher quality and optimised sound.
In addition to the improvements offered by 6G technology itself, IoT technologies are also expected to play an important role in enhancing other technologies. IoT technologies make it possible to connect physical devices to the internet, opening up a world of new possibilities.
For example, IoT technologies can be used to improve the efficiency of electricity grids, the safety of cities and healthcare. They can also be used to develop new products and services, such as autonomous cars or smart homes.
In conclusion, 6G and IoT technologies have the potential to revolutionise the world as we know it. These technologies will enable us to develop new ways of living, working and having fun.
