A network of interconnected smart devices, vehicles, buildings and other everyday objects that contain sensors, processors and wireless communication components that enable them to communicate with computers, servers and one another, and to collect, use, analyze, store and share data. Devices that connect to the IoT are different from conventional devices because they can be programmed to perform functions and take actions on command, on their own, or in conjunction with other connected devices. Examples of IoT interactions include:
- Asking a voice-controlled assistant to provide today's weather forecast.
- Setting smart lights to turn on and off at certain times from an app on a smartphone or turning them on or off with a voice-controlled assistant.
- Using a home security system to monitor a home and alert the owner to intruders or other problems via a smartphone app.
- Using a smart meter to record electricity consumption minute-by-minute and communicate it to the supplier.
- Tracking fitness and health diagnostics on a wearable activity tracker that then sends the information to a mobile app or web-connected server.
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VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol; a means of using the Internet as the transmission medium for phone calls. An advantage is you do not incur any additional surcharges beyond the cost of your Internet access.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol; an agreed upon set of rules that tells computers how to exchange information over the Internet. Other Internet protocols like FTP, Gopher, and HTTP sit on top of TCP/IP.
WAP
Wireless Application Protocol; a set of communication protocols for enabling wireless access to the Internet.