Internet of Things
Everyday objects with sensors and network connections form the Internet of Things.
About this topic
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of everyday physical objects, such as thermostats, watches, doorbells, appliances, cars and farm sensors, that contain sensors, small computers and network connections so they can collect and exchange data. Billions of such devices are already in use.
A typical IoT system has sensors that measure things like temperature, motion or soil moisture, a connection such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or mobile networks, cloud software that stores and analyses the data, and actuators or apps that respond. For example, a smart thermostat senses room temperature and your location, learns your schedule and adjusts the heating, saving energy. Farmers use soil sensors to water only when needed, and cities use sensors to manage traffic and street lighting.
IoT brings convenience and efficiency but also risks. Many devices have weak security, default passwords or no updates, and can be hacked or recruited into attacks. They also collect personal data, such as when you are home. A common misconception is that a small device is not worth attacking. Change default passwords, install updates, put devices on a separate network if possible, and only buy products from makers that support security.
Key ideas
- Smart thermostats and watches
- Sensors send data to the cloud
- Security is a major concern
Quick check
Use cases: where Internet of Things helps
- Homework: review the key idea behind Internet of Things before you start a problem set.
- Exam revision: use the quick check to test whether you can recall Internet of Things without notes.
- Visual learning: play with the interactive lab to see how Internet of Things changes when you adjust its inputs.
- Teaching a friend: explain Internet of Things in your own words, then compare your version with the key ideas.
Computing ideas run phones, search engines, games and the wider internet.
Frequently asked questions
What is Internet of Things?
Everyday objects with sensors and network connections form the Internet of Things.
What will I learn in Internet of Things?
Smart thermostats and watches. Sensors send data to the cloud. Security is a major concern.
Is Internet of Things part of Computer Science?
Yes. It is one of 80 Computer Science topics on LearnViz HighSchoolEdu, with 3 key ideas, a live animation and a quick check.
Does the Internet of Things lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The animation resizes to fit your screen and supports touch, so you can drag, tap and slide with your finger.
How should I study Internet of Things?
Read the summary and key ideas first, play with the interactive lab to see the idea in motion, then answer the quick check. If you get a question wrong, go back to the key idea it tests.
Do I need an account, and is my progress saved?
No account is needed. Marking a topic as learned is saved in your own browser, so it stays on that device and is not sent to a server.