Introduction to IoT

The Internet of Things has rapidly transformed the 21st century, enhancing decision-making processes and introducing innovative consumer services such as pay-as-you-use models. The integration of smart devices and automation technologies has revolutionized every aspect of our lives, from health services to the manufacturing industry, and from the agriculture sector to mining. Alongside the positive aspects, it is also essential to recognize the significant safety, security, and trust concerns in this technological landscape. This chapter serves as a comprehensive guide for newcomers interested in the IoT domain, providing a foundation for making future contributions. Specifically, it discusses the overview, historical evolution, key characteristics, advantages, architectures, taxonomy of technologies, and existing applications in major IoT domains. In addressing prevalent issues and challenges in designing and deploying IoT applications, the chapter examines security threats across architectural layers, ethical considerations, user privacy concerns, and trust-related issues. This discussion equips researchers with a solid understanding of diverse IoT aspects, providing a comprehensive understanding of IoT technology along with insights into the extensive potential and impact of this transformative field.