At the core of the contemporary global transformation is a shift towards urbanization. In the United States alone, urban residents have increased from 64% in 1950 to an impressive 83% at present. Projections suggest that by the middle of the century, urban inhabitants will make up 89% of the U.S. population and 68% of the global population as people continue moving to the cities.
This underscores the importance of smart cities in our future. Yet, surprisingly, many remain unaware of the basics behind this pivotal concept. A smart city is built upon an IoT foundation, segmented into four distinct layers, each possessing its own unique functions and components.