thing (in the Internet of Things)

A thing, in the context of the Internet of things (IoT), is an entity or physical object that has a unique identifier, an embedded system and the ability to transfer data over a network.

Given the prevalence of wireless technology, the increasing ability to miniaturize computer components and develop them inexpensively, and the enormously extended range of IPv6 addresses, that capacity could be developed for almost anything imaginable. In addition to dedicated computing devices such as PCs, notebooks, smartphones or tablets, the list of potential things is almost unlimited.

Dr. John Barrett explains things and how they are interconnected in the IoT:

See also: thingbot, IoT botnet, IoT security