What Is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

Summary: The Internet of Things (or IoT) is a popular term for how we use all of our interconnected devices. But how do they all communicate with each other? And how is IoT changing the world — beyond the convenience of automating your house from your phone? We cover all that and more. Let’s dive in.

If you like to keep up on tech news, you’ve more than likely heard the term Internet of Things, or its abbreviation, IoT. But what exactly is it? There are plenty of explainer articles out there, but many of them are overly confusing and don’t explain how the IoT applies to everyday life. Let’s see if we can clear that up.

First things first.

Key Takeaways on the IoT

IoT connects devices to create smarter, more efficient systems in homes, businesses, and across industries.
Its broad impact improves convenience, safety, and productivity in areas like healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
With over 41.6 billion connected devices predicted by 2025, IoT is shaping the future, offering a world driven by seamless technology integration.
Getting started with IoT is easy. To begin, ensure a reliable internet connection and choose smart devices suited to your needs. Combining these with technical support can help you enjoy a smooth IoT experience.

By integrating IoT into everyday systems, industries and individuals can unlock incredible possibilities that weren’t imaginable a decade ago. But the real transformation? It’s just getting started.

What is the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things — or the IoT — is the connection of everyday items to the internet. These devices are commonly referred to as “smart” and include things like thermostats, locks, TVs, and more. However, it also includes larger items such as cars, tractors, and even airplanes. All of these have highly specialized chips inside of them that can communicate with each other.

The goal of the IoT is to improve the efficiency of day-to-day life, and users can control their household devices and functions by using a smartphone or app. For industrial uses, smart equipment can help increase productivity, efficiency, and safety.

In other words, the IoT is one of the primary ways that we interact with the internet now.

The IoT creates a massive network of devices that all communicate with each other and share data. By 2025, it’s predicted that there will be 41.6 billion connected devices, according to ZD Net. While industrial and automotive equipment will likely have the highest number of connected things in the future, smart home devices and wearable tech are also more and more popular.

What Does the Network of Devices Do?

A network of smart devices means that everything can communicate. Your phone can communicate with your smart speaker which can communicate with your streaming music accounts. That makes everything convenient for you, assuming it’s all working correctly. (If you’re having issues with tech that’s going on the fritz, check out EarthLink EasyTech, which is unlimited remote tech support for all your devices.)

Your smart devices are all interconnected through an IoT platform, which allows them to share information and ultimately means that devices get smarter and can offer better recommendations. Cool, right?

A graphic representation of the internet of things (or IoT), which connected planes, homes, wearable technology, classrooms, and more through a massive network.

The platform is able to integrate data from the devices and analyze it, only sharing the most valuable information with the correct applications. It’s so powerful that it knows what information to use and what to ignore — and can make recommendations, detect patterns, and forewarn users of potential problems.

So, whether you say “Hey Google” or “Alexa” or “Computer,” to activate your device, it kinda sounds like we’re living in the Jetsons life, doesn’t it?

Why Is the Internet of Things (IoT) Important?

The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed our world far beyond the convenience of smart home devices. Sure, it’s helpful to control your lights or thermostat through a smartphone app, but IoT truly shines in how it revolutionizes industries like healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

By connecting devices globally, IoT improves daily life, boosts efficiency, enhances safety, and drives continuous innovation. It’s not just making tasks simpler; it’s fundamentally reshaping the way we live and work.

IoT in Healthcare

IoT is a game-changer in healthcare, making patient care more accessible, efficient, and effective.

A. Benefits for Caregivers and Families

Wearable Tech: Devices monitor vitals such as heart rate, sleep, and movement, providing real-time updates to family members.
Fall Detection & Alerts: Smart devices notify caregivers if a loved one experiences a fall or concerning health metrics.
Emergency Assistance: Smart speakers feature voice-activated emergency call capabilities, enabling users to summon help instantly.

B. Benefits for Healthcare Providers

Remote Monitoring: IoT-enabled devices send crucial health data (like glucose levels or sleep patterns) directly to doctors, reducing unnecessary hospital visits.
Cloud-Based Records: Replace traditional paper files with digital health records for faster, more reliable access to patient information.

C. Telehealth and High-Speed Internet

Telehealth experienced exponential growth, surging 2,980% during the pandemic. Thanks to IoT’s role in providing connected devices and reliable high-speed internet, patients can consult with doctors virtually, from the comfort of their homes.

IoT in Education

The education sector has embraced IoT, enhancing both classroom learning and digital education tools to meet modern needs.

A. Digital Learning Tools

Interactive eTextbooks: Features like reading aloud, built-in dictionaries, and practice questions make learning accessible and engaging.
Device Compatibility: Learn from tablets, laptops, or smartphones with responsive formatting.

B. Smart Classroom Technologies

Smartboards: Interactive whiteboards allow collaboration alongside web browsing, modernizing traditional classrooms.
ClassDojo: Used in 95% of U.S. K–8 schools, this app connects teachers and parents with progress updates through videos, photos, and direct messaging.

C. Connected Transportation

Wi-Fi-Enabled Buses: Companies like Kajeet provide school buses with Wi-Fi, giving students extra study time, improving safety, and allowing parents to track routes via GPS.

IoT in Manufacturing

Manufacturing industries heavily rely on IoT to drive efficiency, worker safety, and operational continuity.

A. Predictive Maintenance and Monitoring

Sensors identify and prevent mechanical failures before disruptions occur.
Automated Alerts trigger service requests when issues are detected, reducing machinery downtime.

B. Operational Efficiency with Tracking

Tool Tracking: Sensors attached to equipment help workers locate tools quickly, saving time. Think of it as an industrial version of Tile or AirTag for efficiency at scale.

C. Enhanced Worker Safety

By predicting errors and automating machine maintenance, IoT lowers risks, ensuring safer work environments while optimizing costs.

How Can You Take Advantage of the IoT?

So, how can you use the innovations of the internet of things to make your own life better? It’s really just three easy steps.

First, make sure your internet is up to the challenge. Choosing a high-speed internet plan that works for the devices you have and gives you some room to grow is essential. Even if you’re not planning to add devices any time soon, as graphics get better and the capabilities of our current devices develop, you’ll want a little breathing room. Choosing a plan with room to grow also means you’re less likely to have to call your internet service provider to upgrade.

Second, choose devices that work for you. This means options that will make an impact in your life and choosing those that will play nice with what you already have. Apple products pair best with Apple, Google with Google, and so on, although you can mix brands. Bonus: do your research first to cut down on installation headaches or returning items.

Finally, make sure you have the support you need. More devices can mean more chances for something to malfunction. And if you, like us, tend to get rid of the instruction manual after you’ve got it put together, you might have to resort to frantic YouTube searches. Instead, invest in remote technical support, like EarthLink EasyTech. Remote technical support can offer personalized help on all your devices, and it doesn’t even require leaving your home (or letting someone else in).

Whether you need home internet that can support all your devices, remote tech support, or other ways to protect your personal information online, EarthLink can help. Our Internet Experts can find the best plan for you and your budget. What are you waiting for? Call 866-618-0264 and get started today.