IoT Session Layer Protocols
In this article, we shall look at various session 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 session layer communication protocols. So hang tight, grab a coffee or a snack or both and read till the end of the article.
IoT Session Layer Communication Protocols
Before jumping into the different session layer protocols in IoT, let us take a quick review of protocols. So, we all know that IoT devices are connected over a session and constantly send and receive data.
Protocols 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.
To learn more about internet protocols, you can read my other articles, where I have covered numerous topics like communication protocols, messaging protocols, data link layer protocols, session layer protocols, and more. Let us now take a look at some examples of session layer protocols used in IoT.
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 unique capability of MQTT makes it a commonly preferred option for connecting devices with a small code footprint. This internet protocol is also used for connecting wireless networks with varying latency levels stemming from bandwidth constraints or unreliable connections.
Advantages:
1. Fast and easy implementation.
2. OASIS technical community standardized MQTT.
3. Best-in-class quality of services with the given functionality.
4. Best suited for constrained networks due to its lightweight package.
Disadvantages:
1. No encryption.
2. Since it is TCP-based, it consumes a lot of power.
AMQP
AMQP is the abbreviation for Advanced Message Queuing Protocol. AMQP is an open protocol that is usually used for more message-oriented middleware. This means it enables messaging interoperability between systems, regardless of the message brokers or platforms that are being used.
The AMQP internet protocol 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.
Advantages:
1. It uses TCP and UDP to transfer messages.
2. Provides end-to-end encryption.
Disadvantages:
1. Uses large amounts of memory and power.
CoAP
CoAP is the abbreviation for “Constrained Application Protocol”. CoAP was designed to work with HTTP-based IoT systems. This protocol depends on the User Datagram Protocol.
With the help of UDP, CoAP establishes secure communications and enables data transmission between numerous points. CoAP is often used for machine-to-machine applications as it enables constrained devices to join an IoT environment, even with the presence of low bandwidth.
Advantages:
1. For security, it uses DLTS.
2. Small packet sizes.
3. Fast device communication.
Disadvantages
1. Unreliable.
2. No broadcasting option as it is a one-to-one protocol.
DDS
DDS is the abbreviation for “Data Distribution Service”. DDS was developed by the Object Management Group for real-time systems. They themselves describe DDS as “a middleware protocol and API standard for data-centric connectivity.”
DDS is used for machine-to-machine devices, and it enables high-performance and highly scalable real-time data exchange using a publish-subscribe pattern.
Advantages
1. Simple architecture that supports “auto-discovery.”
2. DDS is both effective and scalable.
3. It used transport bandwidth.
4. Dedicated data delivery.
Disadvantages
1. Interface is not possible with web pages.
2. DDS consumes nearly double the bandwidth as compared to MQTT.
3. DDS’s heavyweight protocol makes it difficult to use in embedded systems.
XMPP
XMPP dates back to the early 2000s. 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 in lightweight middleware for machine-to-machine communication and also for routing XML data. The best thing about XMPP is that it is open-source!
Advantages
1. Open standard.
2. Extensible design.
3. Uses a labelling scheme to locate devices.
Disadvantages
1. End-to-end encryption is not possible.
2. No quality of service.
SMQTT
SMQTT stands for “Secure Message Queue Telemetry Transport”, basically an extension of the MQTT protocol. SMQTT provides a secure messaging standard because it is based on an encryption messaging mechanism.
The working of it is quite simple – a user sends encrypted messages to all nodes, and nodes receive the encrypted messages and use these messages after decryption. The master key carries out these encryption and decryption activities.
These are only some of the most frequently used messaging protocols. However, there are many others that are suitable for many other use-case scenarios. There is more than one protocol for every need. All you have to do is choose!
Summary
As you have seen, IoT communication protocols are session layer protocols that help manage the connection between two network endpoints by controlling data between sender and receiver.
You have now learned what an IoT communication protocol is and why it is needed. We have also gone through 6 fantastic messaging protocols by looking at their advantages and disadvantages.