IoT: How This Technology is Used, Its Efficiency, & The Solution for Basic Services

Want to know how you can control your home or business from your mobile phone? Learn about the Internet of Things (IoT) and how this technology will make a big difference in Somaliland by 2026. Don't miss out on the opportunities of 'Smart Cities' and the future of your life!

Introduction

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the connection of everyday electronic devices (such as computers, machines, and homes) to the internet. Simply put, IoT is a system that allows objects to talk to each other and exchange data without requiring direct human intervention. IoT is the key to the emergence of Smart Cities and Smart Homes, as Somaliland has become a key player in addressing the challenges of work.

What is Internet of Things (IoT)?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a vast network of everyday electronic devices, known as ‘things’ that communicate with each other directly over the internet. The idea is to give physical devices, such as sensors, machines, and home appliances, a unique identifier and the ability to communicate and exchange data without the need for human intervention.

Why do we need IOT in our lives?

1. Increased Efficiency: Ensures that devices and systems operate automatically, which reduces costs and wasted time.

2. Resource Control: Facilitates the management and monitoring of water and electricity consumption using Smart Meters, which prevents waste.

3. Accurate Decision Making: It collects important information about the weather and tells us whether it is hot or cold today, and also tells us the heart rate as it passes.

What does IoT do?

It allows us to use things in all our lives, for example, if you are away from home, the Internet of Things has the ability to monitor your home and if someone comes, it tells them that you are away from home. When a person is traveling, you can control the home from there, for example, you can turn on the refrigerator, turn off the lights in the house, log in to the house, and order food to be prepared. That work is done by the Internet of Things.

Examples of Solutions in Somaliland

1. Service Management

2. Livestock & Agriculture Management

3. Telehealth

The Most Important Things IoT Does

1. Instant Data Collection: Uses sensors to obtain new information (such as today's temperature, or movement) without asking or telling anyone this information.

2. Automated Communication: Enables devices to wirelessly transmit data to a server (Cloud) or another device, allowing devices to communicate with each other at the same time.

3. Smart Decision Making: Collected data is analyzed to make quick, proven, and reliable decisions; for example, whether to turn on the irrigation machine or whether to not water the fields if it is going to rain today.

4. Remote Monitoring: Allows people to remotely manage and monitor their businesses, devices, assets, passwords, or livestock using a mobile app.

Key Components of an IoT System

1. Devices/Sensors

This is the most important way. Just as humans use their eyes and ears to perceive what is happening around them, IoT devices are the only way for the system to receive information. Without them, the system is "blind" and cannot function.

2. Connectivity

Communication is like a driver. When a sensor collects data (for example: it measures that the temperature is high), that data must travel to the server to make a decision. This path along which the data travels is the Communication. If the path is blocked, the data will not flow, and the system will fail.

3. Data Processing

This is the final stage where data from sensors is interpreted into commands or decisions. Just as the human brain takes in information from the eyes and ears, data processing takes in information from sensors and responds to it. Without it, all your data is meaningless.

IoT Challenges That Need Solutions in Somaliland

1. Cybersecurity

IoT devices are vulnerable and easy to hack, which could result in personal data or control of your devices being captured by unauthorized people who are not authorized to access that data. It is important to ensure the security of any device connected to the internet so that people can trust them.

2. Consistent Connectivity

IoT systems require a 24/7 internet connection. In rural areas where internet is intermittent or weak, it is essential to have techniques that store data while the internet is down (such as Data Structures, which we discussed earlier).

3. Cost of Devices and Installation

Installing smart devices requires a high initial cost, which can be a major hurdle for new, undeveloped small businesses or individuals. It is important to find IoT technology that fits the local economic capacity to avoid problems.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things is a system that allows us to do all our work automatically, whether we are away or present. Large businesses use the Internet of Things because it is a tool that makes work easier. For example, if you are traveling, you can manage your business from your mobile phone. For example, how many people came to work today, how many people did not come, was the work done well today, did the employees arrive on time or were they late, was the time they left the office at the intended time, or did the employees leave early? It does all of these things for us and many more.

This system is key to solving problems in basic services such as water management and livestock monitoring in Somaliland. The future of technology in Somaliland is strongly linked to the development of IoT solutions that can be adapted to low cost and weak network. Developers' understanding of IoT, coupled with Mobile Money solutions, will be the foundation for a Smart Society with efficient production. Anyway, in this article, we have discussed what IoT is, what it does for us, its benefits, potential challenges, and its key components. I wish you success.