apparatus and methods include a first data communication link between a sensor and an internet communication interface or device . the cellular telephone can provide an always - on link to a network such as the internet , on which websites and related hardware and software tools can permit ready and virtually unlimited access to and interaction with the original data and sensor , and / or the sensor &# 39 ; s system . in the preferred embodiment , a java ™- enabled cellular telephone interfaces directly with one or more sensors as well as with a network such as the internet , to provide a data acquisition and control channel . the cellular telephone &# 39 ; s display and keypad can provide a local display and data entry for the sensor and / or the sensor &# 39 ; s system .