Research on the Internet of things (IoT)

The Internet of things (IoT) has become a research hotspot in computer science. The fact it will lead to a new information revolution is considered by most researchers. The main idea of IoT is that all objects are connected to the Internet and thus to be managed and controlled remotely, even interact with each other by receiving and sending information as well as sense their surroundings and have a certain reaction through intelligent technologies. In this paper, we firstly introduce the definition and connotation of IoT briefly. Secondly, we present the enabling technologies of IoT such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems, WSN (wireless sensor networks), intelligent technologies, NT (nanotechnology), addressing schemes, data storage and analysis and visualization. Thirdly, we give a brief introduce of the applications of IoT. It includes individuals and families, enterprise, public utilities and mobile. Fourthly, some open issues and research directions are introduced. Finally, we give the conclusion. © 2013 IFSA.