Internet of things

Internet of things (IoT) describes physical objects that are equipped with sensors, processing ability, software, and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet or other communication networks. The field of IoT encompasses electronics, communication, and computer science engineering. "Internet of things" has been considered a misnomer because most devices do not need to be connected to the public Internet; they only need to be connected to a network and be individually addressable. The field has evolved due to the convergence of multiple technologies, including ubiquitous computing, sensors, embedded systems, and machine learning. Traditional fields of embedded systems, wireless sensor networks, control systems, and automation independently and collectively enable the Internet of things. While in the consumer market, IoT technology is most commonly known as smart home products—including devices and appliances like thermostats and smart speakers—the technology's largest applications are in the business and industrial sectors. Commercial asset tracking and fleet management represent the largest single application of IoT, accounting for 22% of the total market, driven by the need to monitor mobile assets like vehicles and shipping containers. The largest asset tracking sub-segments in transport & logistics are trailer and intermodal container tracking, reaching 5.8 million and 5.3 million active devices globally at the end of 2024 respectively. Other major applications include industrial monitoring, smart metering in utilities, and connected healthcare. There are a number of concerns about the risks in the growth of IoT technologies and products, especially in the areas of privacy and security, and consequently there have been industry and government moves to address these concerns adequately and minimize safety risks, including the development and implementation of international and local standards, guidelines, and regulatory frameworks. Due to their interconnected nature, IoT devices are vulnerable to security breaches and privacy concerns. At the same time, the way these devices communicate wirelessly creates regulatory ambiguities, complicating jurisdictional boundaries of the data transfer.