Use Your Words: Navigating the Terminology of IoT

IoT is an acronym for the Internet of Things. Maybe you know that one already, but what about IoE (Internet of Everything), CPS (Cyber-Physical Systems), WSN (Wireless Sensor Networks), AmI (Ambient Intelligence) or M2M (machine to machine)? These slick abbreviations may sound proficient, but even amongst those closest to development, some emerging IoT terminology only serves to confuse.

What most specialists agree on is this: All of these involve connected devices that use smart technology to communicate and control. Actions are triggered by interpretive systems that analyze raw data, typically referred to as “analytics.”

The implied meaning of these analytics ranges from a software interface that visually simplifies data to machine learning proficiencies. If that doesn’t complicate discussions around IoT enough, let’s address the terms that play a supporting role to IoT.

It’s important to recognize that IoT is a combination of different technologies and equipment that comes together to form the greater Internet of Things. M2M (machine to machine), for example, is required in IoT environments. Some terms hold strong associations with particular aspects of IoT, such as CPS (Cyber-Physical Systems) which specifically targets industrial manufacturing actuation.

CPS is about advanced manufacturing technologies that automate and control machines and systems while monitored by a human operator. In this situation, CPS relates mostly to industrial applications and the Industrial Internet but is still generally referred to as IoT.

The term IoT covers so much ground it can no longer be used with any specificity. As the popularity of IoT develops, it becomes more important to differentiate each aspect of an IoT project with more granular terms.