A linked device refers to any computing device that is connected or linked to another device or network. This connectivity allows the devices to communicate, exchange data, or control one another. Some key things to know about linked devices:
Types of Linked Devices
There are many different types of devices that can be linked or interconnected. Some major categories include:
- Smartphones and tablets – Mobile devices that connect to cellular networks or Wi-Fi.
- Laptop and desktop computers – More powerful devices typically linked via wired or wireless networks.
- Smart home devices – Things like smart speakers, lighting, thermostats, security cameras, and more that link to home networks and the internet.
- Wearables – Devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers that connect to phones and networks via Bluetooth.
- Internet of Things (IoT) devices – A wide range of appliances, vehicles, and industrial systems that connect to broader networks and often to cloud platforms.
Virtually any digital device with communication capabilities can potentially be linked to other devices and systems. The connection may happen directly device-to-device or indirectly over a network.
Wired vs Wireless Connections
Linked devices can connect to networks and each other via:
- Wired connections -Ethernet, USB, or other physical cables plugged between devices. Offers fast and typically more reliable connections.
- Wireless connections – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, or other wireless media. Provides more flexibility and mobility.
Many devices support both wired and wireless connections, choosing the best method depending on the use case. For example, a smart TV might connect to a home network via Wi-Fi but also have ports for wired connections to gaming consoles or cable boxes. The type of connection impacts the speed, security, and mobility of the linked device.
Networked vs Direct Connections
Linked devices can connect:
- Directly device-to-device – A point-to-point connection between two devices over wireless Bluetooth or a physical cable. Allows devices to interact independent of a network.
- Indirectly over a network – Devices connect to a shared local network like a home Wi-Fi network or to a broader network like the internet. Enables networked communication between devices and access to network resources.
Many device connections use a hybrid model. For instance, a phone may directly link to a smartwatch via Bluetooth while also connecting to a Wi-Fi network for broader access to services and resources. The network topology impacts functionality, security, and reach of communications.
Communication Protocols
For effective communication, connected devices must use compatible protocols. Some common protocols include:
- Bluetooth – For short-range wireless device-to-device connections.
- Wi-Fi – Connects devices to wireless local area networks.
- Ethernet – Provides fast wired local area network connections.
- Cellular networks – Allow mobile devices like phones to connect wirelessly over vast distances.
- TCP/IP – Fundamental protocols governing communications over internet networks.
- Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread – Protocols for IoT and smart home device networks.
Matching protocols allows seamless communication between linked devices even from different manufacturers. Devices can also use application programming interfaces (APIs) to communicate at the software level.
Common Uses
Linked devices are used for many different purposes including:
- Accessing network resources and services – Such as connecting phones and computers to the internet.
- Data exchange – Transferring data like documents between devices on a network.
- Remote control – Using one device to remotely control another, such as controlling smart home devices from a smartphone.
- Communication – Enables voice calling, video chat, messaging, and other communications between networked endpoints.
- Content streaming – Linking devices to stream video, music, games or other content from the network.
- Automation – Devices working together to automate tasks and processes. For example, an IoT system automating a factory.
Virtually any application that involves transmitting data, communicating, or coordinating between devices relies on some form of device linking or interconnection. The capabilities expand greatly as more devices get connected.
Benefits
Linking devices and systems together provides many notable benefits including:
- Network and resource access – Devices can access networked services like cloud platforms and databases.
- Remote control and management – Networks allow centralized control and administration of many devices simultaneously.
- Data exchange – Connected devices can seamlessly share data quickly and efficiently.
- Expanded capabilities – Standalone devices gain expanded capabilities when linked as part of an integrated system.
- Automation – Device coordination allows complex automated control of processes locally and across vast distances.
Linking devices is crucial for achieving efficient digital ecosystems and workspaces. Even simple connections can enhance the user experience and expand what is possible.
Security Risks
While providing many benefits, device linking also poses security risks including:
- Providing network access to compromised devices – Infected devices have access to other devices on the network.
- Spreading malware across networks – Connections enable malware to propagate across many systems rapidly.
- Exposing devices to remote attacks – Networked devices can be targeted by hackers for remote attacks and exploits.
- Sniffing of unencrypted traffic – Sensitive data sent between devices can be intercepted over insecure networks.
- Circumventing network security – Malicious devices may bypass security policies once granted network access.
Strong network and device security including encryption, access controls, and endpoint protection is essential to manage these risks. Isolating insecure systems and using physical links when possible also improves security.
The Growth of Connected Devices
Ongoing technology trends are accelerating the growth of linked and interconnected devices throughout consumer and commercial environments:
- Expanding internet connectivity globally enables networking and remote control of devices across vast distances.
- Development of wireless networking standards like Wi-Fi and 5G support fast local connections between devices.
- Advances in IoT and smart devices drive the linkage of everyday appliances, vehicles, wearables and more.
- Cloud computing provides dynamic network access to storage, services, APIs, and processing power.
- Rise of edge computing allows more data processing locally across decentralized linked devices.
According to technology analyst firm IDC, there will be over 55 billion connected devices worldwide by 2025, up from about 14 billion in 2019. Connectivity has become a baseline expectation for most digital products and platforms.
Examples of Linked Devices
To illustrate real-world implementations, here are some examples of linked devices:
| Environment | Linked Devices |
|---|---|
| Smart home | Smart thermostat, smart lights, smart appliances, security cameras, and an in-home voice assistant all linked together and controlled via a home Wi-Fi network from smartphones and other devices. Allows remote monitoring, control, and automation of the home. |
| Wearable ecosystem | A smartwatch connected via Bluetooth to a smartphone, fitness tracker, and wireless headphones. Enables data synchronization, consolidated controls/dashboards, and seamless listening experience. |
| Office network | Computers, printers, IP phones, video conferencing systems, and other devices connected by wired and wireless networking throughout the office for sharing resources, distributing data, and enabling communication. |
| Retail environment | Point-of-sale systems, barcode scanners, digital signs, security cameras, and inventory robots networked within a store and across locations to sync operations, analytics, and inventory in real-time. |
| Industrial automation | Sensors, actuators, controls, cameras, and robots networked on the factory floor and with broader enterprise systems to orchestrate complex manufacturing automations and supply chain management. |
These are just a few examples of the diverse usage of device connectivity across settings.
Conclusion
In summary, linked devices refers to the growing ecosystem of interconnected computing devices and systems. Linking devices via wired and wireless networks, direct connections, and common protocols opens up new possibilities by allowing communication, data exchange, remote access, automation, and more. While introducing security considerations, device connectivity delivers efficiency, expanded capabilities, and the foundation for innovation like IoT and smart ecosystems. The integration of more devices and systems is a persistent trend that will shape markets, workplaces, and our daily lives.