Smart Communication for Smart Cities – IoT Is Enabling Urbanization
The concept of IoT technology is growing exponentially with smart sensors and big data analytics. It is redefining the user experiences and taking us closer to a connected world. A recent report from Ericsson Mobility stated that IoT will enable 16 million connected devices by the end of 2021. In the current scenarios, when urban dwellers are increasing in their numbers, this technology holds a lot of promises.
Meaning of IoT
IoT or Internet of Things is the technology that enhances the connectivity of devices to enable a seamless flow of data. It results in a connected network of smart devices redefining the digital ecosystems. A dynamic world is built with application of sensor technology working in tandem with Big Data. The data is consistently collected and analyzed for advanced functionalities and smart management.
How Is It Relevant For Smart Cities?
The burgeoning increase in urban population is laying more stress on the existing cities. The resources are limited and they can’t survive with this status quo. Hence, urban systems need to be streamlined to manage available resources efficiently for addressing the compounding needs of their inhabitants. Smart tech solutions offered by IoT applications and mobile app development are the most welcoming step in that direction.
With the availability of real-time data, IoT helps in managing urban facilities and enhances an integration of enhanced infrastructure in the cities. When this digital innovation is combined with civic systems, it results in smart cities thriving on efficient management of essential services, optimization of available resources, and proactive engagement of its residents.
The Applicability of IoT in Smart City Concept
The IoT solutions are enabling developers and city planners in leveraging big data and analytics for taking smart initiatives in the right direction. This technology has simplified the processes like monitoring, controlling, and managing massive data streaming in the real-time. Furthermore, it offers effective solutions in following capabilities:
Energy Management
A smart allocation of energy resources has been enabled by the smart grid concept. It facilitates the flow of information regarding smart meters installed in the building to a centralized management center. This system can solve multiple issues like power failures and wastage of energy. The smart energy-controlling devices installed in the homes help in consistent monitoring of energy usage using a smartphone-based app.
Water Management
The dwindling water resources are a major concern across the planet. Hence, the governments are committed to managing their irrigation systems with smart technologies to simplify water conservation. Also, innovative IoT devices can be used for waste water management and rainwater storage. These devices largely facilitate in making contingency plans for climatic atrocities like floods and storms.
Public Transport Management
A smooth public transit system is the lifeline of a smart city. The contemporary cities are adopting IoT model for streamlining their transport facilities. Tracking the trains and buses is one of them. Also, deployment of sensors for assessing and managing the transit systems that need repairs exemplify the connectivity potential offered by this revolutionary technology.
Waste Management
The efficiency of waste management systems will lead to an improved environmental control in the upcoming smart cities. The Internet of Things can enable efficient monitoring of trash for planning its timely collection routines from public bins and homes.
Parking Management
The sensor technology can be used for parking management as well. It informs users regarding the availability of parking spaces in the busy urban centers. This reduces traffic congestion on the roads and carbon emission of the vehicles circling on roads to find a parking spot.
Challenges for IoT in Smart City Concept
The concept of smart city development relies on a scalable and secure network. The technology must be used for assessing existing issues and focus on resolving the basic problems lying at the core of a city. Most of the cities face a dire need for upgrading their systems to a faster network for seamless connectivity. Here, the government support is imperative for the advancement of telecom systems. Another challenge is the analysis of huge data sets collected by the concerned agencies. Interpretation of this data is a massive challenge that must be mitigated by the governments. The security and privacy of networks are major hindrances in the implementation of IoT for smart city development. The data collected from the inhabitants must be secured from any potential cyber attack as a top priority.
Is IoT Really Revolutionizing the Smart City Concept?
This technology can certainly bring a revolution in the contemporary city planning initiatives. It helps in managing the inter-connectivity of various systems within a city. It can deliver comprehensive solutions for improving service delivery and offering scalability. It can add value to the smart city development by revolutionizing the infrastructural sustainability. By facilitating the development of core solutions, this innovative technology is on the verge of changing the way we live in our cities and exploit its resources with a smart approach.
About the author:
Ajit Jain is marketing and sales head at Octal Info Solution, a leading android app development company, offering platform to hire android app developer for your own app development project.
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