IoT Protocols – From Sensors to Cloud Computing
In this article, we will be going over IoT protocols. First, let us understand IoT protocols and why they are essential. Then, after laying down the fundamentals, we will look into 12 examples of IoT protocols. So pay attention, take notes, and read till the end for the best benefits!
What are IoT protocols?
We all know that IoT devices communicate with each other over a network, however, most of us don’t know how. Well, they communicate using IoT protocols. But wait….What on earth is an Internet protocol? An internet protocol is a set of rules specifying how the data gets sent to the internet.
These protocols make sure that the information from one IoT device sensor gets read and processed by another IoT device, a gateway, or a service. There are hundreds of IoT protocols. Each on of them has been designed and optimized for different scenarios and usages like communication, messaging, and more.
Since there are so many internet protocols, you must choose the right one that meets your specific demands. The internet protocol you need depends on the system architecture layer the data will travel in. Selecting the correct protocol is crucial for your IoT system or device to work as expected.
What is the importance of internet protocols?
We learned what IoT protocols are, but why are they so important? Well, the importance and benefit of IoT itself lie in enabling competent that communicate with each other. What is the point of screaming, “Alexa! Turn off the light” when Alexa and the smart bulb can’t communicate with each other?
Thus internet protocols enable the ability to communicate, which is how data moves from endpoint devices through the IoT pipeline to central servers. In simple terms, IoT would not exist if it weren’t for internet protocols.
How many Internet protocols are there?
There are many internet protocols out there, the correct number is unknown, but there is 1 for every situation. So the question to be asked is, “How do I choose an internet protocol?”.
Well, it depends on the situation, and each internet protocol has specific capabilities and features that make it preferable over other options for certain IoT deployments.
However, there are 3 types of internet protocols. They are device-to-device, device-to-gateway, and device-to-cloud/data center communication.
While choosing an internet protocol, you must consider many factors. These include location, power consumption needs, battery-operated options, and many more.
With that said, let us look at 12 fantastic examples of internet protocols.
1. AMQP
AMQP is short for Advanced Message Queuing Protocol. It is an open protocol used for more message-oriented middleware. Therefore, it allows messaging interoperability (the ability of computers to exchange and process information.) between systems, regardless of the message brokers or the platforms that are being used.
The AMQP internet protocol offers security and interoperability. It is also reliable at a distance or over poor networks. In addition, this internet protocol supports communications even when the systems aren’t simultaneously available.
2. Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a widespread internet protocol IoT devices use to communicate with each other. We all heard the name Bluetooth and know how it works, So I will keep it short for this one.
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology using short-wavelength and ultrahigh-frequency radio waves. It is most commonly used for audio streaming and is a leading enabler of wireless and connected devices.
3. Cellular
The cellular internet protocol is one of the most used protocols that IoT devices use to communicate with each other. Have you heard of 2G, LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G? These are precisely that. Cellular is the best option for deploying IoT because of its capability to communicate over long distances.
The cellular internet protocol provides high bandwidth and reliable communication. It can also send high quantities of data, which is extremely important in IoT.
4. CoAP
CoAP is short for “Constrained Application Protocol.” This internet protocol was designed to work with HTTP-based IoT systems. CoAP depends on UDP (User Datagram Protocol).
Using UDP CoAP establishes secure communications and enables data transmission between multiple points. CoAP is often used for machine-to-machine applications as it allows constrained devices to join an IoT environment, even with low bandwidth.
5. DDS
DDS is short for “Data Distribution Service.” The Object Management Group developed it for real-time systems. They describe the DDS internet protocol as “a middleware protocol and API standard for data-centric connectivity.”
Just like CoAP, DDS is also used for machine-to-machine devices. It provides high-performance and scalable real-time data exchange using a publish-subscribe pattern.
6. LoRa
LoRa is short for “long-range.” It is a noncellular wireless technology that offers long-range communication capabilities. In addition, it packs low-power and secure data transmission for machine-to-machine applications and IoT deployments.
LoRa is now part of Semtech’s radio frequency platform and the Long-Range alliance, of which Semtech was a founding member, is now the governing body of LoRa technology.
7. LWM2M
LWM2M stands for “Lightweight machine-to-machine.” OMA SpecWorks developed it, describing LWM2M as “a device management protocol used for sensor networks alongwith the demands of an M2M environment.”
OMA SpecWorks designed this internet protocol for managing devices remotely and telemetry in IoT environments and other machine-to-machine applications.
8. MQTT
MQTT stands for “Message Queuing Telemetry Transport.” This internet protocol uses a publish-subscribe architecture to enable machine-to-machine communication. MQTT’s simple protocol works even with constrained devices and facilitates communication between multiple devices.
This ability of MQTT makes it preferred for connecting devices with a small code footprint. However, this internet protocol also connects wireless networks with varying latency levels from bandwidth constraints or unreliable connections.
9. Wi-Fi
It is a protocol that needs no introduction at all. It is precisely how a smart home works. For example, when you tell Alexa to turn off the light, they both communicate because they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Nonetheless, Wi-Fi stands for wireless fidelity and is widely suitable for home, commercial and industrial buildings. Moreover, Wi-Fi is the most frequently used internet protocol because it offers fast data transfer and can process large amounts of data.
10. XMPP
The XMPP internet protocol dates back to the early 2000s. It was the true O.G.! However, it was once the best protocol because the open-source Jabber community first designed XMPP’s Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol for human-to-human communication in real-time.
Due to its irresistible features, it is still being 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.
11. Zigbee
Zigbee is a protocol designed for mesh networks. Therefore, it is suitable for home automation applications as it is one of the most used mesh protocols in IoT environments.
Mesh networks are Zigbee’s strength because they have a short-range, low-power protocol and can extend communication over multiple devices. In addition, Zigbee provides flexible, self-organizing mesh, ultralow power, and variety of applications.
12. Z-Wave
The Z-wave internet protocol, like Zigbee, is another wireless mesh network communication protocol. It is built on low-power radio frequency technology. Z-Wave is very similar to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as it lets smart devices communicate with encryption, providing security to the IoT deployment.
Z-wave protocol operates on a 908.42 MHz radio frequency in the U.S. However, its frequencies vary country by country. The Z-Wave Alliance also supports it.
Even though we have covered many different protocols, we have barely scratched the surface. But I guarantee you that there is one protocol for every need, and you have to find it!
Summary
As you have seen, internet protocols are the basic fundaments of an IoT environment, as it enables the communication of devices over a network. You have learned what an internet protocol is, why it is needed, and how to choose the correct protocol. We have also gone through 12 fantastic protocols by looking at their specialties.