Internet of Things: How did we get here?

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/internet-of-things-history

Introduction

### Course Review: Internet of Things: How Did We Get Here? #### Overview In our modern world, it's nearly impossible to imagine life without smartphones, which have become indispensable tools for work, social connection, and navigation. If you've ever found yourself wondering about the technological journey that led to our current reliance on these devices, you will find tremendous value in the course titled **"Internet of Things: How Did We Get Here?"** offered on Coursera. This course invites you to explore the multi-faceted evolution of telecommunications—from ancient telephony to today's smart devices—providing a comprehensive historical context and deeper understanding of the Internet of Things (IoT). #### Course Content The course structure presents a clear progression through critical concepts and innovations that shaped our connection to the digital world. The syllabus is segmented into six engaging modules: 1. **Welcome**: An introduction to the course and the talented team behind it, setting an enthusiastic tone for what lies ahead. 2. **Circuit Switched Networks**: This module enables learners to start from the roots of telecommunication with the birth of the telephone, revealing the early challenges and breakthroughs in connecting people. 3. **Packet Switched Networks**: It introduces the transformative digital networking concepts that propelled communication beyond voice to data transmission, laying down the groundwork for modern network architecture. 4. **Computer Telephony**: Here, the convergence of computers and telephony is explored. This module underscores the importance of innovations like caller ID and voicemail, while also addressing the internet's susceptibility to hacking and privacy concerns. 5. **Wireless Technologies**: An exciting transition into the realm of mobile communication, this section highlights the significance of cellular technology, emphasizing how mobility reinvented customer experiences and service dynamics in telecommunications. 6. **Features and Apps**: This module showcases the explosion of mobile applications, highlighting how smartphones evolved from communication devices to versatile platforms capable of managing various aspects of daily life. 7. **Future Outlook**: The final module wraps up the course, contemplating the future of IoT and its expanding possibilities, answering essential questions about how this technology will continue to shape our lives. #### Learning Experience The course is structured intuitively, making complex concepts accessible to learners of varying backgrounds. Each module combines engaging video lectures with informative readings, facilitating a well-rounded understanding. The content is corroborated with real-world examples and case studies that bring the theoretical aspects to life. With interactive quizzes and community forums, learners are encouraged to engage and participate actively. This not only reinforces learning but also cultivates a sense of community among participants, allowing for the sharing of insights and experiences. #### Who Should Take This Course? This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in technology, telecommunication, or the Internet of Things. Whether you're a professional seeking to enhance your understanding of IoT for career development, a student aiming to supplement your studies, or simply a curious individual wishing to delve into the evolution of modern communication, you'll find valuable insights here. #### Recommendation I highly recommend "Internet of Things: How Did We Get Here?" on Coursera. It not only demystifies the historical progression of telecommunications but also equips you with knowledge about the current landscape and future of the Internet of Things. Engagingly presented and meticulously structured, this course is an excellent investment of your time and effort. Join today, and take the first step in understanding the technological world around you!

Syllabus

Welcome

Welcome to the first course in the Internet of Things specialization! We hope you’re just as excited as we are to begin this fascinating journey! Before getting started with the material, we would like to introduce you to the team that made this all possible, as well as give you a preview of what to expect throughout the entire specialization.

In order to answer the big question, “how did we get here?” we must start from the beginning. The beginning of what you may ask, well the beginning of telecommunication! In this course we will cover the birth of the telephone and its gradual evolution through different networks. Humans love to talk, which might explain the speedy growth of telephony networks.

Now that we have looked at circuit switched networks, we will begin to talk about packet switched networks. Digital networking will change in the telephone industry is what allowed all of the exciting new features we see on mobile phones. In this course, we will clarify differences between circuit and packet switched networks, as well as reveal what digital networking allows us to do.

The convergence begins! Computers and telephones start working together which served a great opportunity for business in many ways. Imagine a world without caller ID or voicemail, scary isn’t it? Telephony begins to take the digital route, which brings a whole new experience in telecommunications. The digitization of telephones wasn’t all positive, for it created the possibility of hackers accessing personal information.

Telephones eventually become a new entity which we might recognize as the cell phone. Phone mobility revolutionizes the telecommunications market, phones are no longer apply to homes but rather to people. Cell phones were a game changer for telephone companies.

Phone applications are born! This is probably the greatest contribution to the telephone industry because now phone don’t just make phone calls and take messages, but also handle finances, entertain, educate, control your home, turn on your car and anything you can imagine! The limits of a technology have never been more endless, if you can think it you can sure build an app for it.

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the last module in this course! At this point, you should know the history of the internet and many innovations that it has advanced with, but what is the Internet of Things anyway? That question and many more will be answered in this final course!