What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
Overview
This document was never meant to be included within the IoT Developer Kit flow. But I thought it was important that it was included so you can understand my thought process when it comes to beginner documentation. Enjoy!
Welcome to T-Mobile's Internet of Things (IoT) Documentation home page.
This document gives the reader an overview of what the Internet of Things (IoT) is and more information about T-Mobile's IoT offerings.
Prerequisites
- An interest to learn more about the Internet of Things.
- An interest to learn more about T-Mobile's Internet of Things offerings.
What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
The phrase “Internet of Things” refers to the billions of devices worldwide that are collecting and sharing data over the Internet. The affordability of computer chips in combination with wireless networks becoming a commonplace part of everyday life made it possible to turn everyday objects, like a coffee maker, into an Internet of Things device. This “IoT coffee maker” can now be communicated to over the internet, given commands to brew coffee, shut off, self-clean, and more without the need for a human being to be physically next to the machine.
How does the Internet of Things (IoT) work?
Things, like coffee makers, are embedded with sensors (e.g. pressure, power, temperature, etc.) to monitor conditions for the “thing”. In addition, other pieces of hardware, like mini-computer processors (chipsets), are added to collect data on these conditions. Next, software is added to the mini-computer processors to monitor and collect the data (pressure, temperature, etc.). Then antenna, or modules, need to be added to the IoT device to allow the “thing” to communicate with the Internet. And finally, machine learning and artifical intelligence can be added to this mix as well to allow the “thing” to act on that data. (e.g., let you know that the coffee maker has not been shut off). Combine all of these aspects together…
Embedded sensors
Mini-computer processors (chipsets)
Embedded software
Antennas (modules)
The Internet
App on your smart phone to talk to the embedded software
… and the coffee maker transforms into a “IoT coffee maker” or the more ubiquitous term of “smart coffee maker”. This “smart coffee maker” can now be communicated with remotely through a smart phone app, thus allowing the user to…
Brew coffee
Shut off the coffee maker remotely
Turn on self-cleaning
… using the sensors, hardware, processors, and embedded software installed on the coffee maker.
The digital and physical worlds merge together in an Internet of Things world.
Why would I want to start using the Internet of Things (IoT)?
Returning to the coffee maker, one example is you are at work and you forgot to turn off the coffee maker at home. One tap on your app can fix the problem. But there are many more applications than just a coffee maker for the Internet of Things. For example:
Your thermostat can be turned into a “smart thermostat” allow you to minimize energy costs, track your energy use, and control your thermostat remotely.
With a “smart security system” for your home you can quickly stop false security alarms remotely and “smart security systems” are a great deterrant if a burglar realizes that they are being monitored remotely.
Wearable “smart health monitors” can help with elderly care monitoring and health and fitness goals.
What are examples of IoT devices?
A coffee maker, of course, but Internet of Things (IoT) come in all shapes and sizes, including but not limited to:
Farming Equipment
Driverless trucks
Air Quality Sensors
Children's toys
Light bulbs
And much more…
Chipsets
What is an IoT chipset?
An IoT chipset can be embedded directly into the device's printed circuit board or into an IoT module that is placed in the device. The chipset controls the communications / flow of data between the processor (CPU), memory (RAM), hard drive, sensors, module, graphic card, sound card, network card, and other peripherals, depending on where the chipset is embedded.
Does T-Mobile have a list of compatible IoT chipsets?
Yes, T-Mobile has a list of chipsets that are certified and compatible with the T-Mobile Network. This list also includes the manufacture's contact information. Learn more by visiting the link below:
https://devedge.t-mobile.com/iot/pre-certified
Modules
What is an IoT module?
An IoT module works like an antenna, sending and receiving data via the Internet, radio frequency, NB-IoT, LTE, LTE-M or Wi-Fi. IoT modules are embedded into “things”, like coffee makers or farm equipment, and are always on, meaning they are always connected to the Internet. Staying connected constantly allows the IoT object to communicate in real-time continuously.
Does T-Mobile have a list of compatible IoT modules?
Yes, T-Mobile has a list of modules that are certified and compatible with the T-Mobile Network. This list also includes the manufacture's contact information. Learn more by visiting the link below:
https://devedge.t-mobile.com/iot/pre-certified
Devices
What is an IoT device?
An IoT device contains a module, chipset, and motherboard that is ready for immediate use with a “thing” that is not already Internet of Things enabled. The IoT device has the necessary…
Embedded sensors
Mini-computer processors (chipsets)
Embedded software
Antennas (modules)
Motherboard
App or website software that can communicate with the embedded software
… already built together. An illustration of this can be seen below:
Does T-Mobile have a list of compatible IoT devices?
Yes, T-Mobile has a list of chipsets that are certified and compatible with the T-Mobile Network. This list also includes the manufacture's contact information. Learn more by visiting the link below:
https://devedge.t-mobile.com/iot/pre-certified
FAQ
- Question 1 - Where can I learn more about T-Mobile's IoT certification?
- Answer 1 - Please read the IoT Certification page to learn more.
- Question 2 - Does T-Mobile provide ready to deploy IoT solutions?
- Answer 2 - Yes, there are several ready to deploy IoT solutions that T-Mobile provides. Please find them below: