With many IoT (internet of things) projects, most people only see the end result; data being transmitted from device to device or from device to dashboard. Very few people actually think about how that data gets from A to B. For anyone involved in IoT development, understanding how the data is transmitted is essential.
IoT standards and protocols govern how that transmission works. Whether you’re looking at creating a wearable device, an innovative use for the Magento application, or simply want to understand the engineering behind something, they’re key.
So: just what are IoT standards and protocols and how do they help you?
What are IoT standards and protocols?
IoT standards and protocols are the ‘rules’ that govern how things work, ultimately helping you connect devices and transmit data. They manage how data will be sent, and how it will be received. Depending on what you’re using the IoT for – whether you’re combining the IoT and remote access via VNC Connect, or just checking in on your smart home – you’ll need to use different protocols.
There are two main categories: IoT network protocols and IoT data protocols. Network protocols govern how devices connect with other devices (and the internet itself) while data protocols govern how information/data is exchanged. Within those two categories are specific types, each with their own distinctive features.
Network protocols
1. Wi-Fi
Perhaps the most well-known of the IoT standards and protocols, Wi-Fi can be found nearly everywhere from homes to cafes to businesses. While use of Wi-Fi is widespread globally, and can be used to transit massive amounts of data, it is not always ideal for use by IoT devices that are battery-powered due to the amount of power it can use. Additionally, it has a limited range so is best suited for things in a limited area.
2. LTE CAT 1
LTE CAT 1 was specifically designed to service IoT apps. What makes this standard stand out is that it helps to scale down the demand for bandwidth and communication, thus making it ideal for saving power and cost. It also has much longer range than Wi-Fi and this combination makes it well suited to large-scale IoT systems. It is predicted that LTE CAT 1 will replace 3G in the US as 3G is gradually phased out.
3. LTE CAT M1
LTE CAT M1 (or just Cat-M) is ideal for the transmission of low to medium amounts of data as it is low in cost and uses little power. It’s one of the core IoT technologies and is sort of midway between 3G and 4G. It is a good protocol option as it works well with the existing LTE (long term evolution) network, meaning that there is no need for investment in new antennae.
4. Bluetooth
Another instantly recognizable name, even to laypeople, Bluetooth is designed to transmit relatively small amounts of data over a short distance. It is most often used in the IoT world to allow communication with any smart device or to connect battery-powered sensors to IoT gateways.
5. NB-IoT
NB (narrow band)-IoT is a newer protocol that is being increasingly used. It has been specifically designed to work with battery-powered IoT devices that require wide-ranging but low-powered tech. Although it can connect a large number of devices, it has limited bandwidth and can be challenging when it comes to features such as over-the-air coding updates.
6. ZigBee
ZigBee is one of the most reliable IOT standards and protocols. It’s a cost effective and low-powered network protocol and is very adaptable to supporting many network architectures including mesh networks and point-to-point networks. You will find ZigBee often used in automated settings found in homes or in commercial buildings.
Data protocols
7. HTTP
Although HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the foundation for all data communication on the world wide web, it has a lot of disadvantages when used with IoT applications. With IoT devices (or endpoints), you may not have all devices online at the same time or with reliable connections. As HTTP uses synchronous connections, it may not be the best choice. HTTP also uses ASCII, which is not ideal for transmitting the small amounts of data often used by IoT systems.
8. AMQP
AMQP (Advanced Message Queuing Protocol) is both reliable and offers high interoperability. As it offers asynchronous communication, it means that it can better cope with poor networks and spikes in traffic. This is mainly because it queues data and also utilizes flexible routing. One downside is that it can sometimes be a little unwieldy for some users.
9. MQTT
MQTT (Message Queue Telemetry Transport) is less reliable than AMQP but uses little memory or processing power. This makes it the ideal messaging protocol when it comes to connecting small devices that require less power.Plus, its architecture makes it both flexible and scalable for a wide range of IoT system architectures and use cases, meaning it can be helpful when you are building and scaling applications.
10. DDS
DDS (Data Distribution Service) is designed to be used where there is a need for data to be exchanged in real time. It’s a middleware architecture that is most often found communicating between the nodes of publication or subscription-based messaging services. Because of its real-time features, you will often find it used in robotic systems or autonomous vehicles.
When choosing a data protocol, it’s important to consider security measures as well. Ensuring that your IoT devices use a protocol that provides secure communication, such as SSL/TLS, can protect against unauthorized access and data breaches. Email security measures, such as encryption and two-factor authentication, can also be implemented to further protect sensitive information.
The takeaway
If you’re looking to create the next new wearable device, or simply seeking a certification for data engineers, knowing the applicable standards and protocols is essential. Understanding which best helps to connect the particular devices or applications you are working with is vital for working on IoT applications and devices.
What works well in one scenario may be completely unsuitable for another. By learning these advantages and drawbacks, you can create more efficient applications and improve communication between devices.
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