A network that consists of devices sharing data and includes physical objects is referred to as what?

• A. Extranet
• B. Private Network
• C. Networked Environment
• D. Internet of Things

Answer: (D)

The term that best describes a network consisting of devices sharing data and including physical objects is the Internet of Things (IoT). This concept refers to a system where various physical devices, often everyday objects, are embedded with sensors and software that enable them to connect to the internet and communicate with one another. The essence of IoT is its ability to gather, share, and analyze data from the physical world, thereby creating a more interconnected system.

In contrast, an extranet typically refers to a controlled private network that allows access to certain external users, such as business partners or clients, rather than focusing on devices and physical objects. A private network is strictly for limited individuals or devices and does not encompass the broader idea of connecting numerous types of objects for data sharing. A networked environment is a more general term that could describe various types of networking scenarios but does not specifically highlight the integration of physical objects in the same way that the Internet of Things does. Thus, the Internet of Things is the most accurate term to capture the essence of a network of interconnected devices and physical objects.