IoT or Not? — TechKnowSurge

About this interactive

What you are doing: deciding, one device at a time, whether it belongs to the Internet of Things. The lesson's rule: IoT is networking devices that traditionally have not been networked. Everyday things that never used to connect, such as refrigerators, microwaves, outlets, garage doors, deadbolts, doorbells, thermostats, scales, cars, medical devices and factory sensors, now connect to the network and the internet, so they can gather information, automate things and be controlled remotely. Most run firmware made for their hardware, and many work through home automation apps. Two kinds of device are not IoT. A traditional computer, such as a laptop, a desktop or a server, was always meant to be networked, so being online does not make it IoT; the instructor holds up his laptop as the example of what IoT is not. And an everyday thing with no network connection is not IoT either, however clever it looks: a key-only deadbolt or a dial thermostat is just a lock or a thermostat. How to use it: ask two questions of each device. Is it an everyday thing rather than a computer? Does it connect to a network? IoT needs both yeses. A wrong answer resets your streak and shows the right bin; land five in a row to finish.

What you'll learn

Decide whether a device is part of the Internet of Things: an everyday thing that traditionally was not networked and now connects, to gather data, automate or be controlled remotely
Recognize the two kinds of device that are not IoT: a traditional computer, which was always networked, and an everyday thing with no network connection

Aligned to

CompTIA Tech+

2.6 Compare and contrast common computing devices and their purposes.

CompTIA A+ Core 2

2.7 Explain common methods for securing mobile and embedded/specialized devices.

Key terms

Internet of Things: A network of physical devices embedded with sensors and software that connect and exchange data over the internet.
Home Automation: The use of IoT devices to remotely monitor and control household systems and appliances over a network.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition is a system architecture used in critical infrastructure to collect sensor data and issue real-time control commands; SCADA security failures can result in physical damage to industrial equipment and facilities.
Firmware: Permanent software embedded in a device's non-volatile memory that controls its hardware functions and low-level operations; it bridges the hardware and any higher-level software.

Topics

Internet Of Things Home Automation Interactive Streak Sort

About TechKnowSurge

TechKnowSurge builds IT and cybersecurity professionals through hands-on, concept-first training built around real understanding — not memorization. Free interactive tools, structured programs, and 25+ years of real-world experience, all in one place.

Explore free tools and programs →