When people think about the Internet of Things (IoT), They usually perceive it as technology that turns dumb devices into much smarter devices. How so? They help enable devices for transmitting information online on the internet. This results in communication between end users and other devices on IoT. This makes it look better than other technologies.

One of the finest examples of IoT gadgets and systems is none other than smart home systems. They are doorbells, thermostats, security alarms, and smoke detectors which are connected to the internet and running on it. They obtain data from a connected hub where data comes in through gateways, sensors, and modules.

On the other hand, end users control these gadgets remotely. They can unlock doors, adjust temperatures, and lights, and control speakers through their phones and tablets alike.

Other than home-based systems, IoT has also found its utilization in relevant industries and setups. Though it has made the world smart and digitized and has even helped medical devices that can detect Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, as well as running smart boards in schools.

But there is one thing that no one ever thought of wondering, Or some have wondered: How can IoT run without the internet? Has it ever happened? The Internet of Things is an ecosystem that thrives on the internet in popular belief.

This post will help explain whether or not the IoT can run without the internet. We will also examine some basic concepts before going deeper.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

The internet of things refers to a network of devices implanted with modules, sensors, and gateways as well as hardware that communicates and exchanges data with other devices and systems through the internet which is known as IoT.

Devices in the realm of IoT include almost everything, ranging from daily household items to complicated industrial machines. The presence of low-cost computers, networks, monumental data insights, and mobile app development, physical items can help communicate and gather data without much human intervention needed.

Digital systems can help record, watch and change events between devices connected to the internet. When both the physical and digital worlds connect, they work together quite well.

Examples of IoT devices?

Any electronic gadget or device connecting to a network wirelessly, and having the ability to transmit data is considered an IoT device. Examples of IoT devices are devices that are easily controlled by a mobile app in a smartphone, as determined by experts of mobile app development Dubai, are:

• Streetlights.
• Smart Thermostats.
• Smart speakers.
• Motion sensors.

Can IoT devices work without the internet?

IoT Devices are often perceived as those having edge sensors and actuator devices connected to a complex internet system. They transfer data and analytics to cloud systems using the internet. The issue lies in edge IoT devices. They fulfill various roles depending on the kind of device present and they work as entry and exit points on the network.

More edge systems are needed for IoT devices to have diverse functions. Meaning, they require a robust internet connection. Moreover, a lot of consumers do not have a direct internet connection. 

Let us examine some facts to see if IoT gadgets work without the internet. Studies reveal that there will be 29 billion devices and the worldwide population will be almost 7.7 billion people. It means that each person will have almost six devices.

If each human being on the planet is connected to the internet, it will result in a monumental amount of internet connections. It would be fascinating to know that each IoT device isn’t connected to the internet directly.

In most instances, a wide array of devices in either a home, an office, or a factory are in communication with an internet (WiFi) router using a non-IP bus like ZigBee. The router will thus be the only device to help the devices stay connected to the internet. This enables communication with the remote parts of the IoT devices.

What advantage does a high-performance IP-based network have?

Removal of a high-performance IP-based network gives benefits to some devices and some tiny sensors. The existence of an IP address raises a device’s risk of getting hacked. Moreover, some apps can be present in phones being used in either inaccessible or remote rural areas which lack a dependable and consistent internet connection.

To log data into a device, the options are limited. Moving it to a place where the analysis for actionable recommendations and insights to store in memory is needed. Long-distance communication without the internet is possible via the right tools.

What helps IoT devices work without a long-distance internet connection?

Thingstream is a connectivity network based on USSD (unstructured supplementary service data). It helps with long-distance connectivity and also helps secure IoT connectivity without the use of the internet.

Alternatively, LoRaWAN, a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN), is also a worthwhile choice. IoT devices using this can communicate at various distances. However, it depends on the environment. It is because of gateways that work on Standard IP networks.