Internet of Things (IoT)
When everyday objects gained internet connectivity, they became 'smart.' IoT encompasses billions of sensors, actuators, and connected devices—from industrial machines to household appliances—transforming how we live and work.
What Makes Something an IoT Device?
An IoT device is a physical object with sensors, processing capability, software, and some form of connectivity that allows it to collect and exchange data over the internet. Unlike general-purpose computers, IoT devices are typically designed for specific functions—monitoring temperature, tracking inventory, or automating lighting.
IoT Communication Protocols
- Wi-Fi: High bandwidth, power-hungry, ideal for video devices
- Bluetooth/BLE: Low power, short range, for wearables and beacons
- Zigbee: Mesh networking, 100m range, home automation
- Z-Wave: Sub-GHz, 100m range, designed for home automation
- Thread: Mesh networking, IP-based, for smart homes
- LoRaWAN: Long range (10+ km), low power, for agriculture and cities
- NB-IoT: Cellular LPWAN, for utility meters and smart cities
The Smart Home
Consumer IoT centers on the smart home: thermostats that learn preferences, lights that adjust to occupancy, locks that recognize faces, and voice assistants that control everything. The fragmentation of protocols (Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, Thread, BLE) has been a persistent problem, addressed by the new Matter standard.
Industrial IoT (IIoT)
Factories, power plants, and logistics systems use IoT for predictive maintenance, process optimization, and safety. IIoT often requires real-time response, determinism, and operation in harsh environments—requiring rugged hardware and specialized protocols.
Security Challenges
IoT security remains a critical concern. Many devices have limited processing power, can't be updated, and ship with default passwords. The Mirai botnet (2016) hijacked hundreds of thousands of IoT devices for DDoS attacks. Secure boot, over-the-air updates, and network segmentation are essential countermeasures.