Internet of Things (IoT) Definitions

This glossary explains the meaning of key words and phrases that information technology (IT) and business professionals use when discussing IoT and related software products. You can find additional definitions by visiting WhatIs.com or using the search box below.

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  • A

    artificial intelligence of things (AIoT)

    Artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) is the combination of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and the internet of things (IoT) infrastructure.

  • B

    decentralized application (DApp)

    A decentralized application (DApp) is a type of distributed, open source software application that runs on a peer-to-peer (P2P) blockchain network rather than on a single computer.

  • F

    What is fog computing?

    Fog computing is a decentralized computing infrastructure in which data, compute, storage and applications are located somewhere between the data source and the cloud.

  • I

    industrial internet of things (IIoT)

    The industrial internet of things (IIoT) is the use of smart sensors, actuators and other devices, such as RFID tags, to enhance manufacturing and industrial processes.

  • internet of medical things (IoMT) or healthcare IoT

    The internet of medical things (IoMT) is the collection of medical devices and applications that connect to healthcare IT systems through online computer networks.

  • internet of things (IoT)

    The internet of things, or IoT, is a network of interrelated devices that connect and exchange data with other IoT devices and the cloud.

  • internet of things device management (IoT device management)

    Internet of things device management (IoT device management) involves remotely registering, configuring, provisioning, maintaining and monitoring connected devices from a centralized platform that IT administrators can access with an internet connection from anywhere on any device.

  • internet of things privacy (IoT privacy)

    Internet of things privacy is the special considerations required to protect the information of individuals from exposure in the IoT environment.

  • IoT devices (internet of things devices)

    Internet of things (IoT) devices are nonstandard computing hardware -- such as sensors, actuators or appliances -- that connect wirelessly to a network and can transmit data.

  • IoT gateway

    An internet of things (IoT) gateway is a physical device or software program that serves as the connection point between the cloud and controllers, sensors and intelligent devices.

  • IoT security (internet of things security)

    IoT security (internet of things security) is the technology segment focused on safeguarding connected devices and networks in IoT.

  • S

    smart home

    A smart home is a residence that uses internet-connected devices to enable the remote monitoring and management of appliances and systems, such as lighting and heating.

  • smart sensor

    A smart sensor is a device that takes input from the physical environment and uses built-in compute resources to perform predefined functions upon detection of specific input and then processes data before passing it on.