IoT Glossary

A system for managing entry to premises using electronic locks, card readers, biometric scanners or mobile apps. Logs the time and authorization of every entry.

A device that performs a physical action on command from the automation system — switches a relay on/off, opens/closes a valve, adjusts fan speed or blind position.

Monitoring of CO2 levels, volatile organic compounds (VOC), dust and other indoor pollutants using specialized sensors.

Application Programming Interface — a programming interface for integrating different systems and services. Allows connecting a smart home with third-party applications and platforms.

A set of if-then rules that define the system's automatic response to an event. For example: "if temperature > 26°C — turn on air conditioner".

Bluetooth Low Energy — a short-range wireless protocol with ultra-low power consumption. Used for wireless sensors, locks and wearable devices.

Building Management System — a centralized system for managing building engineering networks: heating, ventilation, electricity, water supply and security.

Automatic management of room temperature, humidity and ventilation based on sensor data and configured scenarios to maintain a comfortable microclimate.

Server infrastructure for storing and processing smart home data, providing remote access, analytics and integration with other services.

A virtual model of a physical object (building, engineering systems) that allows simulating scenarios, predicting behavior and optimizing equipment operation.

Processing data directly on the IoT device or local hub without sending it to the cloud. Reduces latency and dependence on internet connectivity.

Reducing energy consumption while maintaining or improving comfort levels. A smart home optimizes costs through automatic management of heating, lighting and appliances.

A system for measuring and analyzing electricity, water, gas and heat consumption in real time with data visualization and cost forecasting.

An early fire detection system using smoke, temperature and flame sensors. Alerts residents and can automatically cut power supply.

Embedded software of an IoT device that defines its functionality. Regular firmware updates patch vulnerabilities and add new features.

An automatic system with leak sensors and solenoid valves that shuts off water supply when a leak is detected to prevent flooding.

A network device that provides communication between IoT devices of different protocols (Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth) and the IP network (Wi-Fi, Ethernet).

An open-source home automation platform that supports thousands of IoT devices from different manufacturers. Runs locally, ensuring privacy and cloud independence.

A homeowners' association for managing apartment buildings in Ukraine. IoT solutions help housing associations optimize costs and improve service quality.

The central controller of a smart home that connects all sensors and devices into a single network. The hub receives signals from sensors, processes them and executes configured automation scenarios.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems. In a smart home, HVAC is integrated with IoT for automatic microclimate management.

Internet of Things — a network of physical devices equipped with sensors, software and connectivity to exchange data over the internet. In a smart home context, IoT connects sensors, hubs, smart plugs and other automation devices.

Protecting IoT devices and networks from unauthorized access, data interception and cyberattacks. Includes encryption, authentication and regular firmware updates.

An international standard for building automation. A wired protocol that ensures reliable communication between devices from different manufacturers via twisted pair cable.

Low-Power Wide-Area Network — a long-range radio protocol with ultra-low power consumption. Range up to 15 km, ideal for smart meters and sensors at building or district scale.

An open connectivity standard for smart homes supported by Apple, Google, Amazon and Samsung. Ensures compatibility of devices from different manufacturers without additional gateways.

A wireless network topology where each device can relay data to other devices, forming a self-healing network with broad coverage.

A smartphone or tablet application that provides remote monitoring and control of all smart home devices in real time.

Message Queuing Telemetry Transport — a lightweight messaging protocol designed for IoT. Works on a publish/subscribe model and ensures reliable data delivery with minimal traffic.

Detecting human presence in a room using motion sensors, PIR sensors or Bluetooth beacons for automatic control of lighting, climate and security.

The ability to control smart home devices from anywhere via the internet using a mobile app or web interface.

A set of sensors and devices for premises protection: motion sensors, door/window open sensors, sirens, CCTV cameras and access control systems.

A device for measuring physical environment parameters — temperature, humidity, motion, light level, smoke, water or gas leakage. Sensors are the fundamental building block of a smart home system.

An apartment equipped with an IoT system for managing lighting, climate, security and energy consumption. A basic automation level for multi-apartment buildings.

A residence equipped with an automation system that allows remote control of lighting, climate, security, energy consumption and other parameters via a mobile app or voice commands.

A lighting control system with remote on/off switching, brightness and color temperature adjustment, plus automatic scenarios based on schedules or sensors.

An electronic lock that can be opened via a mobile app, PIN code, fingerprint or NFC card without a physical key.

An electronic meter with automatic readings transmission via wireless or wired communication. Enables remote tracking of resource consumption.

A power socket with remote on/off switching capability and power consumption measurement of the connected device.

Photovoltaic modules for generating electricity from solar radiation. IoT integration allows monitoring production and optimizing consumption.

A device for automatically maintaining a set room temperature. Smart thermostats support remote control and learn residents' daily routines.

Using IoT to automate utility accounting, remote meter reading and cost forecasting at the building or housing association level.

A device for audio and video communication between a visitor and a resident with the ability to remotely open the door via a mobile app.

A system of IP cameras for real-time premises monitoring with recording capabilities, motion detection and remote viewing via a mobile app.

Controlling a smart home using voice commands through assistants (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Siri) or built-in system microphones.

Wireless communication technology widely used in smart homes to connect cameras, smart plugs, voice assistants and other devices requiring high bandwidth.

An automation system where devices are connected by cables (KNX, RS-485, Ethernet). Provides maximum reliability and speed but requires cable installation during construction.

An automation system based on wireless protocols (Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth). Easier installation but may be less reliable due to signal interference.

A wireless protocol for home automation operating at 800-900 MHz frequencies. Less interference than Wi-Fi, supports mesh topology, up to 232 devices per network.

A wireless protocol for low-power IoT devices. Operates at 2.4 GHz, supports mesh networks allowing devices to relay signals to each other to extend coverage range.