with wireless capabilities now being put on computer chips, something exciting is happening. All the benefits of the computing world—innovation, short development cycles and low cost—are being extended to wireless communications. As a result, a myriad of hitherto separate objects are becoming connected to networksThis year around 10 billion microprocessors will be sold, embedded in anything from computers to coffee-makers. The vast majority of them will be able to “think” but not “talk”: they will perform specific tasks but cannot communicate. But this is now starting to change. The cost, size and power requirements of wireless functions are falling rapidly, so some unlikely candidates are now being connected to networks. For example, bridges and buildings are being monitored for structural integrity by small sensors. Farmland is being watched and irrigation systems are being switched on and off remotely.