A world in which virtually every object has processing power and is connected to a global network either via a wireline or wirelessly is the world of pervasive computing (or ubiquitous computing).

Pervasive computing is invisible “everywhere computing” that is embedded in the objects around us-the floor, the lights, our cars, the washing machine, our cell phones, our clothes, and so on.

For example, in a smart home, your home computer, television, lighting and heating controls, home security system, and many appliances can communicate with one another via a home network. You can control these linked systems through various devices, including your pager, cell phone, television, home computer, and even your automobile. One of the key elements of a smart home is the smart appliance, an Internet-ready appliance that can be controlled by a small handheld device or a desktop computer via a home network, either wireline or wireless.

Two technologies provide the infrastructure for pervasive computing: Radiofrequency identification (RFID) and Wireless sensor networks (WSN).