The ‘Internet of Things’ is fast becoming a part of everyone’s
lives. More and more gadgets and devices have the ability to
connect to some type of network. Some networked devices being
brought to market today did not seem plausible even five years
ago, for example livestock monitoring systems, power outlet
switches, toaster ovens, pill bottles, plumbing systems,
sprinkler systems, bathroom scales, and thermostats, to name a
few. For devices without this capability, many system designers
are thinking about the limitless possibilities of a connected
smart device, whether they connect to the Internet or interact
with a local network. When it comes to future designs, network
functionality is quickly changing from a luxury feature to a
must-have capability. Market research firms have attempted to
forecast the rapid growth of connected devices. IHS iSuppli
estimates that by 2015, Internet-enabled consumer
devices—connected devices outside the traditional personal
computing space of desktops and laptops—will reach