The
internet of things (IoT) is the
internetworking
of physical devices, vehicles, buildings and other items - embedded with electronics, s
oftware, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity that enable these objects to collect and exchange data.In 2013 the Global Standards Initiative on
Internet of Things (IoT-GSI) defined the IoT as “the infrastructure
of the information society.” The IoT allows objects to be sensed and/or controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more direct integration
of the physical world into computer-based systems, and resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit. When IoT is augmented with sensors and actuators, the technology becomes an instance
of the more general class
of cyber-physical systems, which also encompasses technologies such as smart grids, smart homes, intelligent transportation and smart cities. Each thing is uniquely identifiable through its embedded computing system but is able to interoperate within the existing
Internet infrastructure. Experts estimate that the IoT will consist
of almost 50 billion objects by 2020.
Learn more in:
Critical Infrastructure Protection in Developing Countries