Can you imagine a world where all devices “speak” the same language and understand each other effortlessly? From your smart watch to your connected fridge, through the traffic of cities or agricultural sensors, the website of Things (WOT) is what makes it possible for everything to work in harmony. Today I tell you in a simple way what the WOT is, how it works and why it is the key to carrying the technology connected to the next level.
If you have ever thought that connecting your smart watch, your fridge and your light system is chaos, you are not alone. The website of Things (WOT) comes as the solution that puts order in all this technological mess, allowing the devices to speak the same language and work together without complications. In this article I explain how WOT works, why it is key to the future of connected things and how can your life make much easier and efficient. Promised: You will understand everything without getting bored and you will go out with useful ideas to take better advantage of technology in your day to day. Let’s go there!
What is the website of Things and how differs from IoT?
Surely you have heard about the Internet of Things (IoT), which connects devices to send and receive information. However, IoT has a problem: each device uses its own system, its own “language”, and that complicates things when you try to work together. This is where the website of Things enters (WOT): a layer that unifies and simplifies this communication using web technologies such as HTTP, Rest and JSON.
While the IoT focuses on connecting devices, the WOT is responsible for these devices to understand each other in a standard and accessible way for all. In other words, the WOT is like the universal interpreter of connected technology.
The four layers of the Web of Things
To better understand how the WOT works, you have to talk about the four main layers that compose it:
Access layer
This is the base. The WOT converts any device (a sensor, a bulb, a clock) into what is called a “website.” This means that you can interact with it through web protocols such as HTTP, just like when you access a web page.
For example, if you have a temperature sensor, you could check the data from your browser simply by entering a URL. Simple, right? This layer opens the door for any device to communicate with others and with us.
Discovery layer
It is not enough that the devices are accessible, they must also be easy to find and understand. Here the discovery layer comes into play, which organizes and describes devices with standardized information.
Imagine that you have several devices at home: a thermostat, a camera and smart lights. Thanks to this layer, your system can “discover” what every thing is and what data or services offers, regardless of who made the device.
Communication layer
This layer is the one that allows devices to send and receive data safely and efficiently. The WOT uses protocols such as Websockt and TLS to ensure that communication is fast and safe. For example, you could receive a notification if the sensor detects a high temperature or if someone activates an alarm.
Creation layer
Finally, the creation layer allows to develop applications and interfaces that facilitate interaction with devices. This is where developers create apps, control panels or automated systems that take advantage of the information collected by the WOT.
Web of Things Benefits
The WOT not only solves the IoT problems, it also offers key advantages:
- Interoperability: devices of different brands can communicate without problems.
- Scalability: You can add more devices to your network without complications.
- Ease of development: developers can use web technologies they already know.
- Security: Take advantage of web protocols as HTTPS to protect the data.
- Efficiency: reduces the time and resources necessary to manage connected devices.
The future of the WOT: a revolution in progress
The website of Things is the definitive bridge between the connected devices and the web that we all know. It facilitates the creation of smart homes, connected cities, automated factories and more, always with the aim of simplifying our lives. As it evolves, the WOT will be key for the IoT to reach its maximum potential.
In summary, the website of Things does not replace the IoT, but improves it. It is the tool we need for everything to work in perfect synchrony in the world connected to the future. Are you ready for the next technological revolution? With the WOT, the future is here.
