"Progress towards networked communication ubiquity started a number of years ago, with the initial aim of offering telecommunications users various different services at any time and in any place. This vision is coming true largely because wireless and mobile communication have undergone a remarkable evolution, as has the miniaturization of mobile devices, while simultaneously maintaining high levels of performance and security. The Internet of Things (which is the emerging term for this technological phenomenon) appears to be the ultimate or at least the next link in the chain of ubiquitous networking." "It is defined as the next, imminent, future generation of networks that will connect not only networked devices (mobile phones, computers, smart devices), but also everyday objects that have been until now just 'gun-networked things" or "inert objects", such as refrigerators, washing machines, radios, TVs, and so on. This will be made possible by combining evolving technologies and networking frameworks to deliver an entirely new field of communication." "This book describes the technologies and the networking architectures which make it possible for the Internet of Things to exist. Amongst these technologies, RFID, sensor and PLC technologies are described, and a clear vision of how they combine to create the Internet of Things is provided. The book also provides a good overview of some other significant issues facing the Internet of Things such as privacy and security concerns, applications, usage and standardization." "Dr. Hakima Chaouchi is currently Associate Professor at the Telecommunication Institute in France. Her research work is related to wireless and mobile networks and security. She is currently coordinating one of the first French projects on Internet of Things SUN (Situated and Ubiquitous Networks)."--Jacket.