A question of vision

 The promise of a future global Internet of Things is based on solid technical vision and innovation. In this context, it is important to examine the various underlying technical visions for the Internet of Things. The concept of “ubiquitous networks” focuses on the communication aspects of technologies that are available  Robotics Process Automation (RPA) Expert in Australia

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCING THE INTERNET OF THINGS anytime and everywhere. Similarly, “next-generation networks” (NGN) are integrated core networks that are set to form the underlying platform for the services and applications of the future. On the other hand, ubiquitous computing refers to processing power at the edges of such networks. Intelligent Dashboards Expert in Australia

 Let us briefly consider these visions in turn. Figure 1.1: Access to the internet widens Internet users and subscribers 1995-2004; Top 10 countries by the number of 3G subscribersEstimated internet users, w orldw ide, millions 0 20 40 60 USA Korea (Rep.) Japan India China Canada UK Italy Israel Brazil CDMA-1x W-CDMA Top 10 3G mobile markets worldwide, in millions of subscribers, 2004 16.7 57.4  Per 100 inhabitants Source: ITU 1.2.1 Ubiquitous networks The concept of ubiquitous networks is founded upon the all-inclusive use of networks and networked devices. Literally, a ubiquitous networked environment is one in which networks are available everywhere and anytime (Box 1.1). Early forms of ubiquitous information and communication networks are evident in the widespread use of mobile phones: there were over 1.8 billion mobile phones in circulation by the end of 2004, and the number surpassed 2 billion in mid-2005.3 Box 1.1: Wrapped in ubiquity “Ubiquitous”: What’s in a word? The word “ubiquitous” comes from the Latin root of ubique, meaning everywhere. However, it is applied to the world of ICTs in at least two slightly different ways. • In European usage, it tends to be interpreted geographically, meaning available from all parts of the globe, no matter how remote. Although possible, thanks to satellite technology, this may not be economically feasible. • In Japan and the Republic of Korea, the word is used more often in a social, rather than geographical, context, meaning that a particular communication service may be universally available. “Ubiquitous network society” is defined in Japan, for instance, as “available anywhere, anytime, by anything and anyone”.4 It is this latter definition of ubiquitous – with an emphasis on “anywhere” rather than “everywhere” – that is applied in this report. The term “Ubiquitous Computing” was coined in 1991 by the computer scientist, Marc Weiser. He described a new era in which computer devices will be embedded in everyday objects, invisibly at work in the environment around us; in which intelligent, intuitive interfaces will make computer devices simple to use and unobtrusive; and in which communication networks will connect these devices together to facilitate anywhere, anytime, always-on communications. Ubiquitous computing refers to how individual devices and everyday objects might communicate and process information, creating a world in which things can interact dynamically. A number of similar terms (e.g. “disappearing computing”, “ambient intelligence” or “ubiquitous network societies”) are often used as synonyms. The term “Ubiquitous Network Societies” captures the convergence between a number of technological fields, as well as their implications for the economic, political and social aspects of society.5