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Controlling your home at the touch of a button

SPONSORED — Over the past decade, the Internet has changed how people communicate with each other. Now, it’s transforming the way we use everyday objects, and how these objects communicate with each other.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the idea that, over time, billions of devices and objects will use the Internet to not only function, but also to transmit information between systems.

The Internet of Things represents a natural progression. Since 1995, America’s use of the Internet has evolved from a value-add service to a basic utility essential to everyday communication and business operation. In fact, according to Pew Research, the percentage of Americans adults who use the Internet has changed from 14 percent in 1995 to 87 percent in 2014. That percentage is bound to surge even higher as the Internet of Things becomes a day-to-day reality.

Seizing the opportunities

This idea of ubiquitous connectivity is essential to the burgeoning idea of IoT, with billions of objects accessed, managed or monitored through the Internet using devices and sensors, cloud-based infrastructure and sophisticated data tools. According to Gartner, Inc., by 2020 as many as 25 billion “connected things” will be in use. These connected things range from electronics to appliances, fitness bands, smartwatches, thermostats, security systems and even garage door openers.

Currently, the market is recognizing the convenience of IoT. The Nest “Learning” Thermostat, for example, allows residents and businesses to control their indoor climate remotely through a smartphone, tablet or laptop, while learning the residents’ temperature preferences and auto-programs. The thermostat even suggests energy-saving alternatives based on data collected from its sensors.

Additionally, Wi-Fi connectivity is becoming standard on gadgets like televisions, cameras and security systems, the latter of which allows residents to monitor their homes or offices in real-time from any Wi-Fi connection.

“Not only do these connected devices offer greater convenience, but they also maximize the coverage of residential and business networks, eliminating dead spots and providing easy access to all networked devices from any location in your home or office,” said Ken Baldwin, general manager at Frontier.

As the IoT becomes more sophisticated, opportunities for further innovation will abound.

“This is a huge and fundamental shift,” a recent Wired.com article stated. “When we start making things intelligent, it’s going to be a major engine for creating new products and new services.”

Anticipating the challenges

The flip side of this ever-burgeoning connectivity is the growing concern about managing the security for networks of IoT devices serving both businesses and consumers. When an IoT is dependent on a network of sensors embedded in numerous devices, this could pose a dramatic cybersecurity threat.

“The Internet of Things is coming on faster than we can cope with,” said Andreas Baumhof, chief technology officer at ThreatMetrix via the company’s website. “Soon enough, we will be living in smart houses and all of our critical infrastructure will be managed online.”

For now, consumers must largely bank on increased scrutiny by authorities responsible for security over networks under constant surveillance by hackers, with stronger authentication controls for those with permission to access it. Users of IoT-connected devices can contribute by picking a secure network key and password for their wireless routers, rather than setting it to one that’s easy to remember.

Your nearby Frontier retail store offers IoT devices that include Wi-Fi cameras and range extenders, wireless routers, “smart” Nest thermostats and other special equipment. Check them out and get prepared to ride the wave of the future for smarter, more-convenient living.

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