Final answer:
The correct answer is a) Internet of Things (IoT), as it describes a network of interconnected devices, including home appliances with IP addresses, that can communicate over the internet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Home appliances with an IP address are part of the Internet of Things (IoT). The Internet of Things refers to a network of physical devices that are connected to the internet, allowing them to send and receive data. These devices range from common household items like refrigerators and washing machines to sophisticated industrial tools. When your home appliances are assigned IP addresses, they can communicate with other devices and services over the internet or through a home network, making them 'smart' devices.
The IoT is different from an Intranet, which is a private network within an organization. It's also distinct from a Local Area Network (LAN), which is a network that connects devices in a limited area such as a home, school, or office, and a Wide Area Network (WAN), which is a network that covers a broad area, such as a city, country, or global connections.
Option a) the Internet of Things (IoT) is the correct answer because it specifically refers to the network of interconnected devices that can communicate over the internet.