When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day’s weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When You step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to
office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a message to your office accordingly.
In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following terms best applies to the above scenario?
Correct Answer: Option B
The scenario described exemplifies the Internet of Things (IoT).
IoT is a network of physical objects (devices, vehicles, appliances, etc.) embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet.
These devices often use Internet Protocol (IP) for communication, enabling them to self-report in real-time, improving efficiency and providing timely information without human intervention.
The given scenario demonstrates various aspects of IoT:
- Smart home automation (lights, fans, geysers switching off automatically).
- Smart appliances (refrigerator ordering groceries).
- Connected vehicles (traffic alerts).
Hence, option B is the correct answer.
Why was this question asked in 2018? The Government of India (GOI) was actively promoting IoT through policies and initiatives, particularly in areas like smart cities.
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