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From logistics and healthcare to industrial automation, businesses rely on IoT connectivity to track assets, streamline operations, and drive efficiency. But understanding the technical language behind IoT networks can be overwhelming.
Whether you're setting up a smart device ecosystem or managing a large-scale deployment, this glossary simplifies key terms to help you make informed decisions.
1. IoT (Internet of Things) – A network of physical devices embedded with sensors and software, enabling them to collect and exchange data over the internet.
2. Connectivity – The ability of IoT devices to communicate with each other and external systems via wired or wireless networks.
3. Sensor – A device that detects and measures physical attributes like temperature, humidity, motion, or pressure, converting them into data.
4. Actuator – A component that executes a physical action in response to data from sensors (e.g., turning on a fan when the temperature rises).
5. Edge Computing – Processing data closer to the source (the “edge” of the network) rather than sending everything to the cloud, reducing latency and bandwidth costs.
6. Cloud Computing – Using remote servers to store and process data, enabling scalable and remote IoT operations.
7. Gateway – A device that bridges IoT devices with the cloud or a centralized system, enabling different communication protocols to work together.
8. Protocol – A set of rules governing how data is transmitted between IoT devices and systems.
9. MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) – A lightweight messaging protocol used for IoT applications, ideal for low-bandwidth environments.
10. CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol) – A web-based protocol designed for constrained IoT networks and low-power devices.
11. LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) – A low-power, long-range network protocol ideal for IoT applications in remote areas.
12. Zigbee – A short-range, low-power wireless protocol commonly used in smart home automation and industrial IoT.
13. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) – A power-efficient Bluetooth protocol used for short-range communication between IoT devices.
14. Wi-Fi – A wireless networking technology that connects IoT devices to the internet or other networks.
15. Cellular IoT – Using cellular networks (e.g., 2G, 3G, LTE, 5G, LTE-M, NB-IoT) for IoT connectivity, ideal for mobile and remote deployments.
16. LTE-M (Long-Term Evolution for Machines) – A cellular IoT technology optimized for low-power applications with better mobility support than NB-IoT.
17. NB-IoT (NarrowBand-Internet of Things) – A low-power, wide-area cellular IoT technology designed for low-bandwidth applications.
18. 5G – The next generation of cellular technology, offering high speed, low latency, and enhanced IoT capabilities.
19. Mesh Network – A decentralized network where IoT devices relay data between each other to improve reliability and coverage.
20. Latency – The time it takes for data to travel from one point to another, affecting real-time decision-making.
21. Bandwidth – The amount of data that can be transmitted in a given time, crucial for managing IoT performance.
22. Data Analytics – The process of extracting insights from IoT-generated data to optimize operations.
23. Machine Learning (ML) – An AI technique where IoT devices learn from data patterns to improve decision-making.
24. Artificial Intelligence (AI) – The use of smart algorithms to automate processes and improve IoT applications.
25. Firmware – Software embedded into IoT hardware that provides low-level control over device operations.
26. Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates – The ability to remotely update IoT device firmware and software without physical intervention.
27. API (Application Programming Interface) – A set of rules allowing different IoT platforms and applications to communicate with each other.
28. Endpoint – Any IoT-connected device that collects, processes, or transmits data.
29. Data Aggregation – The process of combining data from multiple IoT devices for analysis and decision-making.
30. Time Series Data – Data collected over time, used for trend analysis and predictive insights in IoT systems.
31. Telemetry – The automated process of collecting and transmitting data from remote IoT devices for monitoring and analysis.
32. Security – Protecting IoT devices, networks, and data from cyber threats and unauthorized access.
33. Encryption – A method of securing IoT data by converting it into an unreadable format that can only be deciphered with a key.
34. Authentication – The process of verifying the identity of an IoT device or user before granting access.
35. Authorization – The control of permissions, determining what an IoT device or user can access and modify.
36. Digital Twin – A virtual replica of a physical IoT device or system, used for simulations and predictive maintenance.
37. Industrial IoT (IIoT) – The use of IoT technologies in manufacturing, energy, and other industrial sectors.
38. Smart City – A city that leverages IoT technology to enhance urban services, such as traffic management and energy efficiency.
39. Edge AI – Implementing artificial intelligence directly on edge devices for faster decision-making without relying on cloud processing.
40. Scalability – The ability of an IoT system to grow in size and complexity without compromising performance.
IoT is more than just devices—it’s about making systems smarter, more connected, and more efficient. Knowing the right terms helps businesses streamline their operations, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and choose the best solutions for their needs. Whether you’re scaling an IoT network or just getting started, having this knowledge will put you ahead of the curve.
Need help optimising your IoT connectivity? Get in touch with us to explore tailored solutions that fit your business needs.
