An Introduction to Helium and the Internet of Things

The term “Internet of Things” (IoT) gets thrown around a lot these days, but what does it really mean? Put simply, the IoT is the interconnectedness of physical objects and devices that are able to collect and exchange data. But why is this important? And what role does Helium play in all of this? Let’s take a closer look.

Helium technology allows smart devices (that can not connect directly to a wifi) to connect to the Internet. Helium’s vision is to create a decentralized wireless network, allowing everyone to utilize open-source software to build devices that bring connectivity to the masses at cheap costs.

The Helium Hotspot can provide hundreds of square kilometers of connectivity transmitting data at a fraction of the cost of a cellular network. IoT is useful from ordinary household appliances to complex industrial tools.

Without the Helium network, IoT (Internet of Things) developments would have several barriers to bypass, such as access, simplicity, and cost. The only answer to solve this problem was to place the network in the hands of the individuals, creating The People’s Network.

The People’s Network is powered by an entirely new economic model, currently, anyone can earn HNT (Helium cryptocurrency), as a reward for building out this wireless infrastructure. By placing a hotspot in their home and sharing with it their internet connection, other smart devices can send and receive data. By rewarding individual network operators with HNT, the network has grown to over 900.000 hotspots in the last few years, connecting hundreds of new hotspots every day.

How the Helium technology works?

Helium is a decentralized wireless network that powers the IoT. It uses advanced technology, including LoRaWAN gateways and LongFi end nodes, to connect devices over long distances with low power consumption. In other words, it helps devices talking to each other without the need for traditional infrastructure, like cellular towers or WiFi hotspots.

By doing so the Helium technology allows smart devices to connect to the Internet. Wifi or cellular data are battery-draining technologies, so for devices that just need to send a few points of data per day using radio frequencies makes much more sense, as this way batteries can last for literally years.

Also both wifi and cellular have a high cost, if you need to deploy a network of hundreds of thousands of devices and they all need a cellular data plan the costs will be very high. Moreover, all communications over the Helium network have end-to-end encryption, meaning it is suitable for sensitive data.

The Benefits of the IoT

So what are some of the benefits of the IoT? Perhaps the most obvious is increased efficiency. By collecting data about how people interact with physical objects and devices, businesses can make those objects and devices more efficient. The possibilities are endless. Simply put, anything from refrigerators, through air purifiers, to wall sockets, anything can be permanently connected to the internet and become a part of IoT Architecture.

Some benefits of the IoT are control, automation, real-time access to information, advanced data collection, improved efficiency, higher productivity and cost reductions. For example, many industrial facilities use sensors to monitor conditions and prevent accidents. And cities are using smart lighting systems to make streets safer at night.

Finally, the IoT provides businesses with new opportunities to generate revenue. For example, companies can sell data collected by their devices or use that data to create new products and services.

How the Helium technology and IoT will shape our future?

Helium and IoT will have a major impact on our lives in the future. Here are some ways these technologies could shape our future:

  1. Improved communication: Helium will provide coverage in areas that don’t have access to traditional cell towers. This will help people stay connected in rural areas and developing countries.

  2. Greater efficiency: IoT data can be used to improve efficiency and productivity in businesses and homes.

  3. Enhanced security: IoT devices can be used to monitor activity in homes and businesses. This information can be used to improve security procedures.

  4. Improved quality of life: Helium-powered devices can be used to monitor environmental conditions and provide early warnings for natural disasters such as hurricanes or floods.

  5. New opportunities: The combination of Helium and IoT will create new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. For example, companies could develop applications that use real-time data from IoT devices to provide valuable insights about consumer behavior or traffic patterns.

  6. Improved healthcare: Helium-powered IoT devices can be used to monitor patients’ vital signs remotely. This information can be used by doctors to make treatment decisions or by patients to make lifestyle changes that improve their health."

  7. Greater equality: Helium will provide coverage in areas that don’t have access to traditional cell towers. This will help close the digital gap between rural and urban areas."

The new Helium technology and IoT are emerging technologies with the potential to change the way we live and work for the betterment of society as a whole. With improved communication, increased security, easier access Healthcare, along with many other benefits.

It is easy to see why these technologies are getting so much attention from both investors and the general public . While there is still some development needed before these technologies can reach their full potential , it is exciting t see what the future holds for both helium-powered devices and IoT .