IOT and WOT are two acronyms that often appear in the context of the Internet of Things, a term that refers to the network of physical devices that can communicate and exchange data with each other. However, IOT and WOT are not synonymous, and they have different implications for the future of the web and the IoT.
IOT stands for Internet of Things, and it describes the concept of connecting everyday objects and devices to the internet, using various technologies such as sensors, RFID tags, QR codes, NFC, etc. These devices can collect and transmit data, perform actions, and interact with other devices or services. For example, a smart thermostat can adjust the temperature based on the weather forecast, a fitness tracker can monitor your heart rate and calories burned, or a smart fridge can order groceries when you run out of milk.
WOT stands for Web of Things, and it is an extension of the IoT that aims to make these devices more accessible and interoperable by using web standards and protocols. The idea is to use the existing web infrastructure and technologies, such as HTTP, REST, JSON, XML, etc., to expose these devices as web resources that can be discovered, accessed, and controlled by web browsers or applications. For example, a smart light bulb can be turned on or off by sending an HTTP request to its URL, or a smart lock can be unlocked by scanning a QR code that links to its web page.
The main difference between IOT and WOT is that IOT focuses on connecting devices to the internet, while WOT focuses on connecting devices to the web. The web is a subset of the internet, but it has some advantages over other communication protocols. The web is ubiquitous, scalable, secure, and easy to use. It also enables semantic interoperability, meaning that devices can understand each other’s data and capabilities by using common vocabularies and ontologies.
The WOT is not a replacement for the IoT, but rather a complement that enhances its functionality and usability. By using web standards and technologies, the WOT can enable cross-platform and cross-domain integration of devices, applications, and services. The WOT can also leverage existing web tools and frameworks to create user-friendly interfaces and applications for interacting with devices. The WOT can also benefit from the web’s innovation and evolution, as new features and standards are constantly being developed and adopted.
The WOT is still an emerging field, but it has already attracted the attention of researchers, developers, and standardization bodies. The W3C Web of Things Working Group is one of the main initiatives that aims to define common specifications and best practices for the WOT. The W3C WoT Architecture document provides an overview of the main concepts and components of the WOT. The W3C WoT Thing Description document defines a common data model and format for describing devices as web things.
The WOT has a great potential to transform the IoT into a more open, interoperable, and user-friendly ecosystem. By using web standards and technologies, the WOT can make devices more discoverable, accessible, and controllable by anyone and anything on the web.
