The Internet of Things (IoT) describes a network of internet-connected devices or “things” that can communicate and share data with each other over the internet. These devices can be equipped with sensors, actuators, embedded software and other technologies, can collect and exchange data, enabling them to monitor and control various aspects of the physical world. IoT applications span diverse domains, including smart homes and cities, environmental monitoring, healthcare, transportation, agriculture and industrial automation. Things may be directly connected to the Internet, or simple Things may access the Internet via local sub-networks and internet gateway devices, including edge computing devices.
Since the term IoT was coined around 10 years ago, interconnection of simple devices via the internet has progressed from its infancy to become main-stream technology, facilitated by the reduction in cost, size and power consumption of connectivity devices, partially wireless technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy and WiFi. Future trends will see evolving technologies such as Artificial Intelligence increasingly applied to IoT applications, including edge computing platforms and fully embedded IoT devices. Evolving challenges around standards formation and IoT cyber security are currently being addressed.
EA’s IoT Community of Practice was established in 2016 as an initial pilot trial, and has recently transitioned to EA Exchange. The CoP provides a platform for the dissemination of information and exchange of ideas by EA’s members with an interest in the IoT, whether as a user or practitioner.