The network of physical devices, from home appliances to industrial sensors, that connect to the internet to collect and share data.
The Internet of Things (IoT) includes smart thermostats, doorbells, fitness trackers, connected cars, agricultural soil sensors, factory machines, and city infrastructure like smart streetlights. Each device has sensors, some processing ability, and a network connection.
IoT allows automation and insight: a farmer can irrigate only when soil moisture drops, or a factory can predict when a motor needs maintenance. Devices often communicate over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, or low-power protocols designed for long battery life. Security is a well-known weakness, since many cheap devices ship with default passwords and rarely receive updates, making them targets for botnets. Privacy is another concern, as connected devices can collect detailed data about daily life.
A network of compromised computers or devices controlled remotely by an attacker, often used for spam, fraud, or DDoS attacks.
Digital TwinA virtual model of a physical object, process, or system that is updated with real-world data to simulate and predict its behavior.
Edge ComputingProcessing data close to where it is generated, such as on devices or local servers, instead of sending everything to a distant data center.
Mesh NetworkA network in which devices, or nodes, connect directly to multiple other nodes and relay data for each other.
Smart GridAn electricity network that uses digital sensors, communication, and automation to balance supply and demand more efficiently.
Wearable TechnologyElectronic devices worn on the body, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, that collect data and provide connected features.
Smart traps, recurring service agreement billing and digital chemical application records are changing how pest control companies work. Here is what to use, the rules to follow and where to start.
Wine club platforms, tasting room reservations, direct shipping compliance and vineyard sensors are reshaping small wineries. Here is what to use, what to watch and where to start.
Your speaker hears everything but is designed to keep almost nothing. Here's how wake words work, what Alexa, Google and Siri save, and how to delete your voice history.