Understanding the Difference Between Web of Things and Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) and Web of Things (WoT) are two phrases that are often confused but are not interchangeable. While they may appear to be the same, they both have unique characteristics and serve various purposes.
What Is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things is a system made up of interconnected physical devices, vehicles, buildings, and other objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity, enabling them to exchange data. It refers to the capability of everyday objects to connect and communicate with each other and people over the internet.
IoT has been used in various industries such as healthcare, transportation, construction, and manufacturing, enabling the integration of technology into devices that can provide remote monitoring, automation, and analytics, all of which help optimize operations and reduce costs.
What Is the Web of Things?
The Web of Things, on the other hand, focuses on making things accessible through web browsers and web applications. It is a subset of IoT that provides a standardized way of accessing physical devices through web protocols like HTTP.
The Web of Things enables developers to create web-based interfaces that allow users to interact with IoT devices directly, regardless of their location and without requiring a specific application or device to access it. By using web technologies, the WoT simplifies development and addresses interoperability issues.
The Difference Between IoT and WoT
The primary difference between IoT and WoT is the way they are accessed. IoT devices and applications are accessed through proprietary applications or protocols, which varies and differ among manufacturers. WoT, on the other hand, provides web protocols, which makes it easy for developers to interface with different devices.
The standardization enabled by WoT means developers can concentrate on creating web-based user interfaces that are both interoperable and accessible from anywhere, instead of designing numerous applications. Web technologies in WoT also make it easier to create new applications that work on multiple devices. In contrast, IoT development requires more specialized knowledge of specific devices and their associated APIs.
Examples of IoT and WoT
IoT devices are common in the modern world, including smart homes, wearable technology, and industrial automation. These devices include Nest thermostats, Amazon Alexa, Fitbit, industrial robots, and many more.
For WoT, common examples include Philips Hue lights, which can easily interface with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi-enabled kettle that can be remotely turned off or turned on through a web browser.
In conclusion, the IoT and WoT are distinct concepts with different goals and architectures. IoT aims to integrate physical devices and sensors to work together while WoT focuses on making these devices accessible via web protocols. While both concepts have similarities and differences, it is crucial that developers understand the differences between the two to determine which architecture best suits their project.
(Note: Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)