Data Link Layer Communication Protocols in IoT

In this article, we shall look at various data link layer communication protocols in IoT. We will keep the introduction short, as we have already discussed various kinds of protocols in numerous articles.

So, we shall directly jump into the topic and look at 12 epic data link layer communication protocols. so hang tight, grab a coffee or a snack or both, and read till the end of the article.

Data Link Layer Communication Protocols

Before we jump into discussing the different data link layer protocols in IoT, let us take a quick recap on protocols. So, we all know that IoT devices are connected over a network and constantly send and receive data.

It is the protocols that enable IoT devices to communicate with each other. An internet protocol is a set of rules that specifies how the data gets sent to the internet. These protocols ensure that the information from one IoT device sensor gets read and understood by another IoT device, a gateway, or a service.

If you want to learn more about internet protocols, you can read my other articles, where I have covered various topics like communication protocols, messaging protocols, network layer protocols, session layer protocols, and more. Let us now take a look at some examples of Data link layer protocols used in IoT.

AMQP

AMQP is the abbreviation for Advanced Message Queuing Protocol. This protocol is used for more message-oriented middleware. This means that it enables messaging interoperability between systems, regardless of the message brokers or platforms that are being used.

AMQP offers security and interoperability; it is also very reliable, even at a distance or over poor networks. Even when the systems aren’t simultaneously available, this internet protocol supports communications.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a very common internet protocol that is used by IoT devices to communicate with each other. Bluetooth is essentially a short-range wireless technology that uses short-wavelength and ultrahigh-frequency radio waves that are mostly used for audio streaming and is a leading enabler of wireless and connected devices.

Cellular

The cellular internet protocol is one of the most used protocols that IoT devices use to communicate with each other. The reason cellular is the best option for the deployment of IoT is because of its capability of communicating over long distances. Cellular provides high bandwidth and reliable communication. It is also capable of sending high quantities of data.

CoAP

CoAP is the abbreviation for “Constrained Application Protocol”. This internet protocol was designed to work with HTTP-based IoT systems. This protocol depends on UDP (User Datagram Protocol).

Using UDP CoAP establishes secure communications and enables data transmission between multiple points. CoAP is mostly used for machine-to-machine applications as it allows constrained devices to join an IoT environment, even with the presence of low bandwidth.

DDS

DDS is the abbreviation for “Data Distribution Service”. DDS was developed by the Object Management Group for real-time systems, and they describe DDS as “a middleware protocol and API standard for data-centric connectivity.”

Just like CoAP, DDS is also used for machine-to-machine devices as it enables high-performance and highly scalable real-time data exchange using a publish-subscribe pattern.

LoRa

LoRa is the abbreviation for “long-range”. LoRa is a noncellular wireless technology that offers long-range communication capabilities. It packs low-power and secure data transmission for machine-to-machine applications and IoT deployments.

This internet protocol is now part of Semtech’s radio frequency platform, and the LoRa alliance, of which Semtech was a founding member, is now the governing body of LoRa technology.

LWM2M

LWM2M stands for “Lightweight machine-to-machine”. It was developed by OMA SpecWorks, and they describe this protocol as “a device management protocol designed for sensor networks and the demands of an M2M environment.”

OMA SpecWorks designedLWM2M specifically for remote device management and telemetry in IoT environments and other machine-to-machine applications

MQTT

MQTT is the abbreviation for “Message Queuing Telemetry Transport”. MQTT uses a publish-subscribe architecture to enable machine-to-machine communication. This simple protocol works even with constrained devices and enables communication between multiple devices.

This particular capability of MQTT makes it a commonly preferred option for connecting devices with a small code footprint. MQTT is also used for connecting wireless networks with varying levels of latency stemming from bandwidth constraints or unreliable connections.

Wi-Fi

This is one protocol that needs no introduction at all! Nonetheless, Wi-Fi stands for wireless fidelity and is widely suitable for home, commercial and industrial buildings. The reason why Wi-Fi is the most frequently used internet protocol is that it offers fast data transfer and is capable of processing large amounts of data.

XMPP

The XMPP internet protocol dates back to the early 2000s, and it was the true OG! The reason it was once the best protocol is that Jabber open source community first designed XMPP’s Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol for real-time human-to-human communication,

Due to its irresistible features, it continues to be used today for machine-to-machine communication in lightweight middleware and for routing XML data. The best thing about XMPP is that it is open-source!

Zigbee

Zigbee is a protocol that was designed for mesh networks. It is very suitable for home automation applications as it is one of the most used mesh protocols in IoT environments.

The reason mesh networks are Zigbee’s strength is that it has a short-range, low-power protocol and can also extend communication over numerous devices. Zigbee offers a flexible, self-organizing mesh, ultralow power, and a library of applications.

Z-Wave

just like Zigbee, Z-wave internet protocol is another wireless mesh network communication protocol built on low-power radio frequency technology. This protocol is very similar to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as it lets smart devices communicate with encryption, hence providing a level of security to the IoT deployment.

The z-wave protocol operates on a 908.42 MHz radio frequency in the U.S., although its frequencies vary country by country. It is also supported by the Z-Wave Alliance.

These are only a few Data link layer protocols. There are many more out there that suit various needs. All you have to do is choose the right one.

Summary

You have now learned various Data Link layer protocols like LoRa, Cellular, DDS, MQTT, Wi-Fi, XMPP, Zigbee, and many more.