U.S.-based Intel Corp. was named the most influential firm in the Internet of Things (IoT) segment, data showed Friday, based on how often the company is mentioned on websites and social media with related keywords.

According to the data compiled by IoT Analytics, U.S.-based tech companies took the top spots in the report, with Intel followed by IBM, Microsoft Corp., Google Inc. and Cisco Systems Inc. over the third and fourth quarters of 2015.

South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co. came in ninth, while its smaller local rival LG Electronics Inc. stood at 11th.

IoT is a concept in which all tangible objects are connected to the Internet and can identify themselves to other devices in order to exchange necessary data for improved efficiency and convenience.

"While the top seven spots are still occupied by U.S. companies, companies from other countries are making a move. Most notably, Asian companies are now entering the ranking," IoT Analytics said.

Japan's NEC Corporation and China's Huawei Technologies Co. ranked 16th and 18th, respectively, the data also showed. (Yonhap)