The Internet of Things (IoT), basically, is the connection of electronic devices not normally used for computation to the Internet. The definition of IoT also includes devices that aren’t necessarily connected directly to the Internet, but communicate with each other via a wireless network that’s in turn usually accessible from the Internet.

Take modern home security systems such as those offered by Xfinity. This kind of system allows you, for example, to go on the Internet while you’re at work and access systems in your house remotely — to lock or unlock doors, turn lights on or off, or view the feed from security cameras. Other IoT devices in your house might let you change the thermostat setting or check food inventories in the refrigerator. IoT also allows devices to act on their own or interact with each other: For example, your refrigerator could be programmed to detect when you’re running out of milk, eggs, or Guinness Stout, and automatically place orders over the Internet to restock itself. Self-driving cars will probably make heavy use of IoT technology. Infrastructure can be modified to provide information about traffic jams, dangerous road conditions, or bridges in danger of imminent collapse, and then automatically apply the brakes or reroute self-driving traffic.