Question 3 from UPSC CSE 2018 - General science and Science & Technology

Question

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?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Internet of Things

Strategy: Identify the core concept driving the scenario: automatic communication and action among diverse everyday devices such as alarms, geysers, refrigerators, cars, and door locks. Recognize that this interconnectedness and data exchange, operating without continuous human intervention, directly points to the Internet of Things (IoT). Distinguish this theme from general network management or security protocols like Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Internet Protocol (IP), and Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Key Info: ## Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT is a network of physical objects--'things'--embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity to exchange data with other devices and systems, typically via the internet.

### Key Characteristics & Applications
*   **Automation:** Devices operate and communicate without direct human intervention.
*   **Remote Monitoring & Control:** Users can manage devices from a distance.
*   **Examples:** Smart home appliances (refrigerators, geysers, thermostats), wearable health trackers, connected cars, and industrial sensors.
*   **Contributions:** IoT enables smart homes, smart cities, healthcare, supply chain management, and energy efficiency.
*   **Driving Factors:** Advances in embedded systems, wireless technology, machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, and cloud platforms.

### Related Networking Concepts (Distinctions)
*   **Border Gateway Protocol (BGP):** A core internet routing protocol managing how packets are routed between autonomous systems. Essential for the global internet but not related to consumer device automation.
*   **Internet Protocol (IP):** Assigns addresses and routes packets across networks, serving as the foundation for internet communication. It does not inherently perform automation or interconnect smart devices contextually.
*   **Virtual Private Network (VPN):** Extends a private network securely over a public one for privacy and security. Not designed for automating or connecting diverse devices.

Smart home ecosystems, enabled by IoT, allow various household devices to sense, process, and act autonomously or semi-autonomously--e.g., intelligent alarms, smart refrigerators ordering groceries, intelligent energy management systems.

Answer

Option A: Border Gateway Protocol

Answer

Option C: Internet Protocol

Answer

Option D: Virtual Private Network