Defining the IoT

Many analysts and journalists talk casually about the Internet of Things (IoT) as if it is a commonly understood term with a single definition. However, defining the IoT is not so straightforward as it covers a wide range of technologies, processes and applications. This post brings together a range of definitions from experts across the technology sector, regulators, bankers, engineers as well as dictionaries and encyclopedias.

Don’t forget to visit our Edge Computing Definitions page as well.

Analysts’ definitions of the IoT

Gartner:

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects that contain embedded technology to communicate and sense or interact with their internal states or the external environment.^[1]http://www.gartner.com/it-glossary/internet-of-things/

IDC:

IDC defines the Internet of Things (IoT) as a network of uniquely identifiable end points (or things) that communicate bi-directionally without human interaction using IP connectivity.^[2]http://www.idc.com/promo/thirdplatform/innovationaccelerators/iot

McKinsey & Co.:

In what’s called the Internet of Things, sensors and actuators embedded in physical objects—from roadways to pacemakers—are linked through wired and wireless networks, often using the same Internet Protocol (IP) that connects the Internet. These networks churn out huge volumes of data that flow to computers for analysis.^[3]http://www.mckinsey.com/industries/high-tech/our-insights/the-internet-of-things

EY:

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the connection of devices — any devices — to the internet using embedded software and sensors to communicate, collect and exchange data with one another.^[4]http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/ey-m-e-internet-of-things/$FILE/ey-m-e-internet-of-things.pdf

Network Engineers’ definitions of the IoT

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU):

Internet of things (IoT): A global infrastructure for the information society, enabling advanced services by interconnecting (physical and virtual) things based on existing and evolving interoperable information and communication technologies.^[5]http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/recommendations/rec.aspx?rec=Y.2060

The Internet Architecture Board (IAB):

The term “Internet of Things” (IoT) denotes a trend where a large number of embedded devices employ communication services offered by the Internet protocols. Many of these devices, often called “smart objects,’’ are not directly operated by humans, but exist as components in buildings or vehicles, or are spread out in the environment.^[6]https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc7452

The IEEE:

A network of items — each embedded with sensors — which are connected to the Internet.^[7]http://iot.ieee.org/definition.html

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF):

The basic idea is that IoT will connect objects around us (electronic, electrical, non electrical) to provide seamless communication and contextual services provided by them.^[8]https://tools.ietf.org/html/draft-lee-iot-problem-statement-00

Bankers’ definitions of the IoT

Morgan Stanley:

The Internet of Things is the next revolution in computing. By connecting billions of everyday things to the Web, the IoT will collect enormous volumes of data that could reshape almost every aspect of our lives.^[9]http://www.morganstanley.com/articles/internet-of-things-opportunities-for-investors

Goldman Sachs:

The Internet of Things, or IoT, is emerging as the next technology mega-trend, with repercussions across the business spectrum. By connecting to the Internet billions of everyday devices – ranging from fitness bracelets to industrial equipment –  the IoT merges the physical and online worlds, opening up a host of new opportunities and challenges for companies, governments and consumers.^[10]http://www.goldmansachs.com/our-thinking/pages/internet-of-things/

Vendors’ definitions of the IoT

Cisco:

The IoT links objects to the Internet, enabling data and insights never available before.^[11]http://www.cisco.com/c/en_uk/solutions/internet-of-things/overview.html

IBM:

Internet of Things (IoT): The convergence of connecting people, things, data and processes is transforming our life, business and everything in between. The technical definition of The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects accessed through the internet. These objects contain embedded technology to interact with internal states or the external environment. In other words, when an object can sense and communicate, it changes how and where decisions are made, and who makes them.^[12]http://www.ibmbigdatahub.com/blog/how-internet-things-shaping-modern-business

Regulators’ definitions of the IoT

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

We use the term IoT to refer to “things” such as devices or sensors – other than computers, smartphones, or tablets – that connect, communicate or transmit information with or between each other through the Internet.^[13]https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/federal-trade-commission-staff-report-november-2013-workshop-entitled-internet-things-privacy/150127iotrpt.pdf

Ofcom:

The Internet of Things (IoT) is set to enable large numbers of previously unconnected devices to communicate and share data with one another…. The IoT is a broader term (than M2M), describing the interconnection of multiple M2M applications, often enabling the exchange of data across multiple industry sectors.^[14]https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/29012/iot-cfi.pdf

The European Parliament:

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a distributed network connecting physical objects that are capable of sensing or acting on their environment and able to communicate with each other, other machines or computers. The data these devices report can be collected and analysed in order to reveal insights and suggest actions that will produce cost savings, increase efficiency or improve products and services.^[15]http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2015/557012/EPRS_BRI(2015)557012_EN.pdf

Dictionary/Encyclopedia definitions of the IoT

Oxford Dictionary:

The interconnection via the Internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data.^[16]https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/internet_of_things

Cambridge Dictionary:

Objects with computing devices in them that are able to connect to each other and exchange data using the internet.^[17]http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/internet-of-things

Wikipedia:

The Internet of things is the internetworking of physical devices, vehicles (also referred to as “connected devices” and “smart devices”), buildings, and other items—embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity that enable these objects to collect and exchange data.^[18]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_of_things