IoT (Internet of Things) is considered infrastructure because it provides a foundation for the development of various applications and services that can be used by individuals, businesses, and governments. Just like roads, bridges, and highways provide a physical infrastructure for transportation, IoT provides a digital infrastructure for the exchange of data and information between devices, sensors, and systems.
IoT infrastructure includes:
- Devices: Sensors, actuators, and other devices that collect and transmit data.
- Networks: Wireless and wired networks that connect devices and sensors.
- IoT Platforms: Software platforms that manage encryption keys, data-flows, devices and sensors.
Just like physical infrastructure, IoT infrastructure requires investment, maintenance, and management to ensure its reliability, security, and efficiency.
IoT (Internet of Things) can be compared to infrastructure in several ways:
- Enabling connectivity: Just like roads, bridges, and highways enable the movement of people and goods, IoT enables the connection of devices, sensors, and systems to the internet, facilitating the exchange of data and information.
- Providing a foundation: Infrastructure provides a foundation for economic growth, development, and innovation. Similarly, IoT provides a foundation for the development of smart cities, industries, and services.
- Facilitating communication: Infrastructure enables communication between people, businesses, and governments. IoT facilitates communication between devices, sensors, and systems, enabling real-time data exchange and decision-making.
- Enabling efficiency and productivity: Infrastructure can improve efficiency and productivity by reducing congestion, improving logistics, and enhancing supply chain management. IoT can also improve efficiency and productivity by automating processes, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing decision-making.
- Scalability: IoT, like infrastructure, needs to be scalable to accommodate growing demands and evolving needs. As the number of IoT devices and the complexity of the systems they operate in increase, the infrastructure supporting IoT must also scale accordingly.
- Requiring maintenance and management: Infrastructure requires regular maintenance and management to ensure its continued functionality and efficiency. IoT also requires maintenance and management to ensure the security, reliability, and performance of connected devices and systems.