IoT technology and protocols

The Internet of Things is the convergence of embedded systems, wireless sensor networks, control systems, and automation that makes industrial manufacturing factories, smart retail, next-generation healthcare, smart homes and cities, and connected wearables possible. IoT technology empowers you and me to transform business with data-driven insights, refined and controlled operational processes, new business lines, and more efficient and effective use of quality materials.

IoT technology is constantly evolving, with countless service providers, multiple platforms, and millions of new devices emerging every year, leaving developers with many decisions to make before entering the IoT ecosystem.

Understand common IoT protocol, power and connectivity requirements.

The IoT science and technology ecosystem consists of the following layers: device, data, connectivity, and technology users. 1. Device layer

A combination of sensors, actuators, hardware, software, connectivity, and gateways which are the devices that connect to and interact with the network.

2 . Data layer

Data collected, processed, transmitted, stored, analyzed, presented and used in a business context.

3. Business layer and R&D

IoT technology business functions, including billing management and marketplace data.

4. User layer ( share )

People interacting with IoT devices and technologies.

X1 IoT technology stack:

I . IoT devices

1. Actuators

Actuators perform physical actions when the control center gives instructions, usually in response to changes identified by sensors. They are a type of transducer.

2. Embedded system

Embedded systems are microprocessor or microcontroller based systems that manage specific functions within a larger system. The system includes both hardware and software components.

3. Smart device

Devices that have capabilities for computing. These devices often include microcontrollers and cloud engines that can best spread a given workload across devices.

4. Microcontroller unit (MCU)

This small computer is embedded on a microchip and contains a CPU, RAM, and ROM. Although they contain the elements necessary to carry out simple tasks, microcontrollers have more limited power than microprocessors.

5. Microprocessor unit (MPU)

The MPU performs CPU functions on one or more integrated circuits. Although a microprocessor requires peripherals to complete tasks, it greatly reduces processing costs because it contains only the CPU.

6. Non-computing devices

A device that only connects and transmits data and has no computing capability.

7. Transducer

In general, a transducer is a device that converts one form of energy into another. In IoT devices, this includes internal sensors and actuators that transmit data when the device engages with its environment.

8. Sensors

Sensors detect changes in their environment and create electrical impulses to communicate. Sensors usually detect environmental shifts such as changes in temperature, chemicals, and physical position and are a type of transducer.

IoT X2 technology stack:

IoT protocol and connectivity

Connecting IoT devices

A key aspect of planning an IoT technology project is determining the device's IoT protocol—in other words, how the device connects and communicates. In the IoT technology stack, devices are connected via gateways or built-in functionality.

What are IoT gateways?

Gateways are part of IoT technology that can be used to help connect IoT devices to the cloud. While not all IoT devices require a gateway, they can be used to establish device-to-device communications or connect devices that are not IP based and cannot connect to the cloud directly. Data collected from IoT devices moves through gateways, is pre-processed at the edge, and then sent to the cloud.

Using an IoT gateway can lower latency and reduce transmission size. Having a gateway as part of the IoT protocol also allows you to connect devices without direct internet access and provides an additional layer of security by protecting data moving in both directions.

How to connect IoT devices to the network?

The type of connectivity you use as part of the IoT protocol depends on the device, its functionality, and the user. Typically, the distance that data must travel—both short and long range—determines the type of IoT connectivity required.

IoT network type

Low power and short range networks

Low-power, short-range networks are perfect for homes, offices, and other small environments. Such networks tend to require only small batteries and are usually inexpensive to operate.

Typical example:

bluetooth

Good for high-speed data transfer, Bluetooth transmits voice and data signals up to 10 meters.

NFC

A collection of communications protocols for communication between two electronic devices that are 4 cm (1 ⁄2 in) or less apart. NFC offers a low-speed connection with a simple setup that can be used to bootstrap a more supportive wireless connection.

Wi-Fi/802.11

Wi-Fi's low operating costs make it standard throughout homes and offices. However, it may not be the right choice for all scenarios due to its limited range and 24/7 energy consumption.

Z wave

The grid network uses low energy radio waves to communicate from appliance to appliance.

zigbees

IEEE 802.15.4-based specification for a suite of high-level communications protocols used to create personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios.

Low power and wide area network (LPWAN)

LPWAN allows communication between a minimum of 500 meters, requires minimal power, and is used for most IoT devices. Common examples of LPWANs are:

IoT LTE 4G

With high bandwidth and low latency, this network is a great choice for IoT scenarios that require real time information or updates.

IoT 5G

While not yet available, 5G IoT networks are expected to enable further innovation in IoT by providing significantly faster download speeds and connectivity to more devices in a given area.

Cat-0

This LTE based network is the lowest cost option. This network laid the foundation for Cat-M, the technology that will replace 2G.

Cat-1

This standard for cellular IoT will replace 3G eventually. Cat-1 networking is easy to set up and offers a great solution for applications that require a voice or browser interface.

LoRaWAN

Long-term wide area networks (LoRaWANs) connect mobile devices, devices that are secure and battery operated two-way.

LTE Cat-M1

The network is fully compatible with LTE networks optimizing cost as well as power on the second generation of LTE chips specifically designed for IoT applications.

Narrowband or NB-IoT/Cat-M2

NB-IoT/Cat-M2 uses direct sequence spread spectrum modulation (DSSS) to send data directly to servers, eliminating the need for gateways. While NB-IoT costs more, not requiring a gateway makes it cheaper to run.

Sigfox

This global IoT network provider offers a wireless network to connect low-power objects that transmit continuous data.

IoT protocol: How IoT devices communicate with the network

IoT devices communicate using IoT protocols. Internet protocol (IP) is a set of rules that define how data is sent across the internet. The IoT protocol ensures that information from one device or sensor is read and understood by other devices, gateways and services. Different IoT protocols have been designed and optimized for different scenarios and uses. Given the wide array of IoT devices available, it's important to use the right protocol in the right context.

What IoT protocol is right for the required situation?

The type of IoT protocol you need depends on the layer of the system architecture through which the data will be traversed. The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model provides a map of the different layers that transmit and receive data. Each IoT protocol in the IoT system architecture enables device-to-device, device-to-gateway, gateway-to-data center, or gateway-to-cloud communication, as well as inter-data center communication.

Application layer

The application layer works as an interface between users and devices in a given IoT protocol.

Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP)

The software layer that creates interoperability between messaging middleware. This helps a range of systems and applications work together, making messaging the industry standard.

Restricted Application Protocol (CoAP)

Limited bandwidth and limited network protocol designed for devices with limited capacity to connect in computer-to-machine communication. CoAP is also a document transfer protocol that runs over the User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

Data Distribution Services (DDS)

Versatile peer-to-peer communication protocol, from running small devices to connecting high-performance networks. DDS simplifies deployment, increases reliability, and reduces complexity.

Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT)

A messaging protocol designed for lightweight computer-to-machine communication and primarily used for low-bandwidth connections to remote locations. MQTT uses a publisher-subscriber pattern and is ideal for small devices that require efficient bandwidth and battery usage.

Transport layer

In any IoT protocol, the transport layers enable and protect data communication as it moves between layers.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

The dominant protocol for most internet connectivity. The application offers host-to-host communication, breaks large data sets into individual packets, and resends and reorders packets as needed.

User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

A communications protocol that enables process-to-process communication and runs over IP. UDP increases the data transfer rate over TCP and best suited applications that require lossless data transmission.

Network layer

The network layer of the IoT protocol helps each device communicate with the router.

IP

Many IoT protocols use IPv4, while newer executions use IPv6. This recent update to IP routes traffic across the internet and identifies and discovers devices on the network.

6LoWPAN

This IoT protocol works best with low-power devices that have limited processing capabilities.

Data link layer

The data layer is part of the IoT protocol that transfers data within the system architecture, identifies and corrects errors found at the physical layer.

IEEE 802.15.4

Radio standard for low power wireless connections. It is used with Zigbee, 6LoWPAN, and other standards for building wireless embedded networks.

LPWAN

A low power wide area network (LPWAN) allows communications across a range of 500 meters to over 10 km in some places. LoRaWAN is an example of an LPWAN optimized for low power consumption.

Physical layer

The physical layer is a communication channel between devices in a given environment.

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

BLE dramatically reduces power consumption and costs while maintaining the same range of connectivity as classic Bluetooth. BLE works natively across mobile operating systems and is quickly becoming a favorite with consumer electronics due to its low cost and long battery life.

Ethernet

This wired connection is a less expensive option that provides a fast data connection and low latency.

Long term evolution (LTE)

A wireless broadband communication standard for mobile devices and data terminals. LTE increases the capacity and speed of wireless networks and supports broadcast and multicast streaming.

Near field communication (NFC)

A collection of communication protocols using electromagnetic fields that allow two devices to communicate within four centimeters of each other. NFC-enabled devices work as identity key cards and are commonly used for contactless mobile payments, tickets, and smart cards.

Power Line Communication (PLC)

Communications technology that allows sending and receiving data over existing power cables. This allows you to power and control IoT devices over the same cable.

Radio frequency identification (RFID)

RFID uses electromagnetic fields to track unsupported electronic tags. Compatible hardware provides power and communicates with this tag, reading its information for identification and authentication.

Wi-Fi/802.11

Wi-Fi/802.11 is standard in homes and offices. While an inexpensive option, it may not suit all scenarios due to limited ranges and 24/7 energy consumption.

Z wave

The grid network uses low energy radio waves to communicate from appliance to appliance.

zigbees

IEEE 802.15.4-based specification for a suite of high-level communications protocols used to create personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios.

IoT technology stack part 3:

IoT Platforms

The IoT platform makes it easy to build and launch IoT projects by providing a single service that manages your deployments, devices and data. The IoT platform manages hardware and software protocols, offers security and authentication, and provides user interfaces.

The exact definition of an IoT platform varies as more than 400 service providers offer features ranging from software and hardware to SDKs and APIs. However, most IoT platforms include:

IoT cloud gateways

Authentication, device management and APIs

Cloud infrastructure

Third party application integration

Managed service

IoT managed services help businesses proactively operate and maintain their IoT ecosystem. Various IoT managed services, such as Azure IoT Hub, are available to help streamline and support the process of creating, deploying, managing, and monitoring your IoT projects.

IoT applications of today's technology

AI and IoT

IoT systems collect large amounts of data, so it's often necessary to use AI and machine learning to sort and analyze that data so you can detect patterns and take action based on the insights. For example, AI can analyze data collected from manufacturing equipment and predict maintenance needs, reducing costs and downtime from unforeseen breakdowns.

Blockchain and IoT

Currently, there is no way to confirm that data from IoT has not been manipulated before being sold or shared. Blockchain and IoT work together to break down data silos and build trust so data can be verified, tracked, and relied on.

Kubernetes and IoT

With a zero-downtime deployment model, Kubernetes helps IoT projects stay updated in real time without impacting users. Kubernetes scales easily and efficiently using cloud resources, providing a common platform for edge deployments.

Open source and IoT

Open source technologies accelerate IoT, enabling developers to use the tools of their choice in IoT technology applications.

Quantum computing and IoT

The massive amounts of data generated by IoT are naturally suitable for quantum computing capabilities to accelerate heavy computing. Additionally, quantum cryptography helps add a level of security that is needed but is currently hindered by the low computational power inherent in most IoT devices.

Serverless and IoT

Serverless computing allows developers to build applications faster by removing the need for them to manage infrastructure. With serverless applications, cloud service providers automatically provision, scale, and manage the infrastructure needed to run code. With the variable traffic of IoT projects, serverless provides a cost-effective way to scale dynamically.

Virtual reality and IoT

Used together, virtual reality and IoT can help you visualize complex systems and make decisions in real time. For example, using a form of virtual reality called augmented reality (also known as mixed reality), you can display important IoT data as a graphic on top of real-world objects (such as your IoT devices) or workspaces. This combination of virtual reality and IoT has inspired technological advances in industries such as healthcare, field services, transportation, and manufacturing.

Digital Twins and IoT

Testing your system before execution can be a dramatic cost and time saving measure. Digital Twins take data from multiple IoT devices and integrate it with data from other sources to offer a visualization of how the system will interact with devices, people, and spaces.

IoT data and analytics

IoT technologies generate such high volumes of data that special processes and tools are needed to turn data into actionable insights. Typical IoT technology applications and challenges:

Application: Predictive maintenance

IoT machine learning models designed and trained to identify signals in historical data can be used to identify similar trends in current data. This allows users to automate preventive service requests and order new parts early so they are always available when needed.

Application: Real time decisions

A variety of IoT analytics services are available, designed for real-time and end-to-end reporting, including:

High-volume data stores use formats that can be queried by analytical tools.

Processing of high volumes of data streams to filter and aggregate data prior to analysis.

Low latency analytics turnaround using real time analytics tools that report and visualize data.

Use of real time data using message intermediaries.

Challenge: Data storage

Large data collection implies large data storage requirements. Several data storage services are available that have varying capabilities in organizational structure, authentication protocols, and size limits.

Challenge: Data processing

The volume of data collected through IoT presents challenges for rapid cleaning, processing and interpretation. Edge computing addresses this challenge by shifting most of the data processing away from centralized systems to the edge of the network, closer to the devices that need the data. However, the decentralization of data processing presents new challenges, including the reliability and scalability of edge devices and the security of data in transit.

IoT security, safety and privacy

IoT security and privacy are important considerations in any IoT project. While IoT technology can transform your business operations, IoT devices can pose a threat if not properly secured. Cyber ​​attacks can compromise data, damage equipment, and even cause harm.

Strong IoT cyber security ( IOTX ) goes beyond standard secrecy measures to include threat modeling . Understanding the different ways an attacker can harm your system is the first step to preventing attacks.

When planning and developing an IoT security system, it is important to choose the right solution for every step of the platform, from OT to IT. A software solution that provides the necessary protection for a given system.

___________________ compiler by : Agustinus Manguntam , ST., MM . ____________________________

IoT Investor and Electronic Support Machine