The use of edge computing by many IoT devices guarantees that only the most pertinent and significant data is delivered over the communication network. A security system is also put in place to safeguard, keep track of, and regulate the data transmission from the intelligent city network and stop unauthorized access to the IoT network of the city's data platform. Smart cities also use technologies like Artificial Intelligence (Al), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Cloud Computing Services, Machine Learning, and Machine-to-Machine Communications.
Smart cities follow four steps to improve the quality of life and enable economic growth through a network of connected IoT devices and other technologies.
These steps are as follows:
1: Collection: Smart sensors gather real-time data.
2: Analysis: The data is analyzed to gain insights into city services and operations.
3: Communication: The results of the data analysis are communicated to decision-makers.
4: Action: Action is taken to improve operations, manage assets and improve the quality of city life for the residents.
The ICT framework combines real-time data from linked machines, assets, and objects to enhance decision-making. However, mobile devices, connected cars, and connected buildings are other ways that residents can engage with and interact with smart city ecosystems. It is possible to reduce costs, improve sustainability, and streamline processes like energy distribution and waste collection, as well as provide reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality, by combining devices with data and the city's infrastructure.
The adoption of smart city technologies is made possible by fusing automation, machine learning, and the internet of things. For instance, smart parking can assist drivers in finding parking spaces and enable online payment. Another example would be smart traffic management, which would optimize traffic lights and monitor traffic flows to lessen congestion. A smart city infrastructure could also be used to manage ride-sharing services.
Energy-saving and environmental efficiency features, like street lights that turn off when the roads are empty, can also be found in smart cities. These smart grid technologies can enhance operations, maintenance, planning, and power supplies, among other things. Through internet-enabled garbage collection, bins, and fleet management systems, smart city initiatives can also be used to combat climate change, air pollution, and waste management and sanitation.
In addition to services, smart cities enable the provision of safety measures, such as monitoring high-crime areas or utilizing sensors to enable early warning for events like floods, landslides, hurricanes, or droughts. In order to determine when repairs are required, smart buildings can also provide real-time space management or structural health monitoring and feedback. Citizens can use this system to alert authorities to any issues, such as potholes, and sensors can keep an eye out for infrastructure issues like water pipe leaks. Smart city technology can also make manufacturing, urban farming, energy use, and other processes more efficient. All kinds of services can be connected in smart cities to offer citizens comprehensive solutions.